William "Joy" Raker

Graveside Services: Private

William “Joy” Raker, age 80, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away peacefully, Wednesday afternoon, August 10, 2011, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg. He was born February 28, 1931 in Fayette, Ohio to George and Florence (Roberts) Raker. Joy was a 1949 graduate of Swanton High School where he lettered in baseball, basketball, football, and track. Joy even played on the Toledo Little Mud Hens team. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served overseas in Germany. On February 4, 1956, he married his beloved wife, Yolanda Rulli.

Joy was a mechanic and co-owner of the Union 76 gas station in Swanton. He was a charter member of the Swanton Elks Lodge #2462, and member of the National Shaving Mug Association. After retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, filling his kid’s homes with his work.

Joy is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Yolanda; daughters, Michele (Robert) Raker-Morris, Debra (Greg) Stickley, and Ilene Raker; son, Rex Raker; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Raker: brother, Lloyd (Barbara) Raker; special family friend, Ollie Franzman; brother-in-law, Robert (Sonya) Rulli; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joy was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551 or the American Cancer Society, 740 Commerce Dr., Ste. B, Perrysburg, OH 43551.

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Interment: St. Richard's Cemetery