Harold Raney

Harold Raney, age 80, of Auburn, NE was born on December 10, 1933 to Hobart and Cora Belle (Vinsonhauler) Raney near White Cloud, KS. Harold attended school at Shore Country School, then Brown County School through the 8^th grade.  He joined the army in the early 1950’s where he served as a scout.  He worked in Brownville, NE driving pilings in the river, before starting Raney Roofing.

Harold had a love for many things in his life, including his strong faith in the Lord, his church, family, children, fishing, and animals. Of the many things Harold did in his lifetime, he always pursued everything full-heartedly. At a young age, he began the sport of fishing. His favorite spots to fish were in the areas of Dubois and on the Nemaha River. He loved to share his pictures of the “little fish” he caught. Even though the fish were bigger than most of the children he showed them to. When he wasn’t scaling the banks around a fishing hole, Harold enjoyed sharing the word of God with anybody he met. Harold’s goal was to ensure that all of his friends and family knew the Lord and would one day meet again in their Heavenly home.

Selfless. Hardworking. Kindhearted. All attributes of Harold along with stubborn and impatient. If it weren’t for the latter, Harold would not have been Harold. He was strong as an ox, carrying several bundles of shingles onto a roof even in recent years. Stubborn. After being told by his doctors to not be on any more roofs, he would help a friend repair their roof later that same day. Impatient. When he had something in his mind, it was his way or get out of the way.

He also had a great passion for children, whom he spread joy to in the form of quarters. Everywhere he went, he always had plenty of them in his pockets just in case there were kids around. Harold’s own children remember him as abeing a great provider for them and other families even in tough financial times. He always put others before himself.

Harold went to be with the Lord, Thursday, December 4, 2014 in his home.

He is survived his children, Debbie McWilliams and husband Jim of Slidell, LA, Brenda Kay Raney of Pawnee City, NE, Shari Grof of Tecumseh, NE; adopted daughter, Annie DeJonge of Warner Roberts, GA; step-children, Cathy Schavee and husband Milt of Sioux Falls, SD, Jean Rice and husband Francis of Auburn, NE, Candice Gordon of Sands Springs, OK, Diane Brink of Auburn, NE, Aaron Brink and wife Danna of Nebraska City, NE, Vicki Ebeler and husband Dan of Clatonia, NE; 10 grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Glen Raney of Schubert, NE; sisters, Lula Allen and husband Clarence of Falls City, NE, and Loretta Housh and husband Tom of Sierra Vista, AZ; nieces, nephews, other relatives and precious friends, Lloyd and Rae Hoffart.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Donna (Brink) Raney; his parents, Hobert Benjamin and Cora Belle (Vinsonhauler) Raney; son, Harold Duane Raney; son-in-law, Dave Grof; brothers, Ben and Jim Raney; sister, Edith Nissen; one great-grandson; former wives, Joanne Clumpner and Catherine Sieck.

A funeral for Harold Raney will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, December 8, 2014 at New Life Church in Auburn with Pastor Bernie Berg officiating. Burial will follow at the Bedford Cemetery, Howe, NE. Visitation is scheduled for noon to 8 p.m. Sunday with the family greeting friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials established to the family's choice in care of the funeral home.

Hall Funeral Chapel of Auburn, NE is in charge of arrangements for Harold Raney. Further info at www.hallfuneral.net

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