Howard Rayburn Obituary

The officers and entire membership of The EOD MasterBlasters, Inc. (an assn. of Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel) send our deepest expression of condolence to the family of Howard N. Rayburn, Sr. We are much saddened by his passing, but he will remain in our hearts and memories. May God bless you all and bring you comfort during this difficult time.

The EOD MasterBlasters

Papa,

It me Sissy agin. I miss you so much. I love love love you. Please Come Back to me and nanny and logan.
Sissy

Papa,
this is logan. I just want to tell you that I love you and miss you alot. Me and Sissy are helping nanny get through this. I wish you were here with us. Gizmo misses you to. I love you, and Sissy loves you to.

To Caroline, Logan and Nanny, we were deeply saddened to hear of Papa's death. We know what a constant source of strength and stability he was in your lives and how much he will be missed by you. He was a very special person to our daughter Jami as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Some of the earliest memories I can recall have my Pa in them. It's really hard for me to find the right words to express how much he meant to me and how much I owe to him for how I am today.

When I was a child he was my hero. He still is. He was the smartest man I ever knew and every time I was around him I could count on learning something new, or hearing a great story. He always took the time to explain how things worked to me, even when I was very young. His patience, and his desire to share his knowledge really helped shape the way I think, and who I am.

He really was about the coolest, neatest, grandpa a kid could have. How many kids have you known who had a soda fountain on the back porch at their grandpas house?

Like others have said, he would go out of his way to help you in any way possible if you needed it. I think we all can take something from that and try to do the same in our own lives, helping others if able.

Some of my best memories of Pa:

The time he fixed the broken handle on my rocking horse with a sawed off broomstick.

Taking me to see The Empire Strikes Back who knows how many times when my mom was in the hospital having my sister Amanda.

Getting to ride along with him in his service truck to fix different things.

Running errands with him and Benji.

The time he fixed up an old bike for me to ride when I was down in visiting in the summertime.

I'm going to miss him very much and I feel extremely lucky to have been able to spend some time with him recently after not seeing him in a long while.

Love you Pa.

-Jamie

My pop was the finest man I have ever met. Until his passing, I would still call him to ask for his opinion, or to see what he thought about this or about that. He always had an answer, and it was usually the right one. I spent many years in the USAF and I realized just how much he missed his family when he was away. I also knew as hard as I tried I could never be the hero that he was, and not just to us, his family, but to others he helped during his lifetime. Sure, he could be very opinionated, but he was opinionated for all the right reasons. He just absolutely disliked seeing people suffer. He was always helping others even if it meant he would have to go without. I can't imagine not being able to call him and just talk to him, but he is up there now, looking down on us as I write this, and I am sure he is saying "it'll all be ok son." I know it will dad. I know it will. You have been my inspiration for far too many years and that won't change. I will miss you and I love you very much. We will have many more conversations for many years to come, and for that I am grateful. Thanks for being my dad. Your son Howie

To the Rayburn Family,

I was saddened to hear of the death of Howard Rayburn. As a retired military person myself, I appreciate the service he performed to his country. I hope his family can find comfort in this trying time. Special condolences go out to my good friend, Donna. Even as she grieves for her father, she knows he is in a better place, and I know she will see him again.

My Dad,(pop) He was always there. I cant believe hes gone. I will miss him.

Papa,
You are my heart and soul. I can't see my life without you. You have been there for me when I had no one. Your love has gotton me to where I am today. I know we are not blood, but that does not matter to me. Words can't describe what you mean to me. I know you are here with me and nanny and logan in our house. I know we can't see you, but I can feel you. like last night when I was on the computer I felt you behind me. All I ask is please don't scare me. I like knowin your here but you know I am a big baby, And now I don't have you to run to when I'm scared. And I am soooo scared of living my life without you. I am scared for Nanny, she misses you so much. She doesnt like sleeping in the bed by herself. We miss hearing you snore in the living room while you SAY your watching the news, I miss you wakeing me up at the butt crack of dawn just because you wanted to hang out with me, and fix my breakfast. I miss the fact that If anyone had a problem they knew that you knew how to fix it.And another thing, I am happy that I was there with you, holding your hand when you passed away. It was just me and you. It was one of the harest things I have ever had to do.But I know that I will make it though this tough time. Because If you taught me anything it is to be strong. I love you more than the moon and the stars in the sky. Talk to you soon...
Sissy (caroline)

To the Raburn family,
I was so sorry to hear Howard died yesterday.A very brave man to have served his country as much as he did. My deepest sympathy to the hole family and my long time friend , Donna

My last memory of my grandpa was this past Easter. We rode down from the beach to see papa and nanny. We brought him an Easter basket with chocolate chip cookies, candy, and some pictures of the kids. He seemed so happy to see us. All the kids loved him and wanted to sit in his chair with him. I didnt really stop to think that this may be the last time i ever got to see my grandpa.
I keep thinking about when I called him a couple of weeks ago when he was in the hospital. He was so weak that I could barely understand what he was saying, but the last thing he said to me was, "I'll call you when I get out of here."
I remember that everytime I would talk to him on the phone, he would joke with me. He was so funny sometimes. He would always tell me to tell Richard to stop by and have a sandwich with him the next time he was passing thru.
I wish things could have been different. I wish I had had my whole life to be around my grandpa, but I am thankful for the few times that i got to see him or talk to him on the phone. I am thankful that my kids had the chance to meet him.

I WILL MISS YOU, PAPA AND I LOVE YOU. YOU ARE A GREAT PAPA. LOVE, HAYLEY

Daddy,
I will miss you so much.My heart skips a beat everytime I think you wont be here for all of us. I told you last week you were my hero..and YOU will always be..I love you and miss you so much..Your loving daughter..Donna Lynne Rayburn

To Howard's wife and family. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. As a neighbor I know that he'll be missed by all that have met him over the years. Our prayers are with Howard's family and for Howard in his journey to rest with the Lord. God Bless, Larry and Rose