Denver Eugene Raike, 87, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, passed away Saturday June 28th, 2025, at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was born January 17th,1938 in Wheelersburg, Ohio to the late Fred and Thelma (Williams) Raike.
Denver is survived by his daughter, Tamela (Lawrence) Harris of Wheelersburg, and his son, Anthony (Mary) Raike of Kernersville, North Carolina; his sister, Mona (Robert) Osborn, and his brother, Mike Raike; grandchildren, Kristi Rowland, Jason Harris, Kevin Harris, Bethanie (Alex) Miller, Stephanie Vanderpool, Madelyn (Aldon) Cranford and Allyson Raike, 7 great-grandchildren and several special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rosena (Horton) Raike, his brother, Leroy Raike, and his sister, Evelyn (Raike) Stone.
Denver was a 1956 Graduate of Wheelersburg High School and married his high school sweetheart, Rosena on December 28, 1955. Denver was a veteran of the United States Army and served as Military Police with a tour in Italy. Denver proudly retired as a conductor from Norfolk Southern Railway after a long and dedicated career in rail transportation. He also served faithfully as the local chairman for the United Transportation Union (UTU), where he was respected for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of his fellow union members.
A man of deep faith and compassion, Denver was a devoted member of Rubyville Community Church. He found great joy in worship and fellowship, and his life was a reflection of his commitment to serving others—always ready with a helping hand for friends, neighbors, and those in need.
In his later years, Denver enjoyed farming alongside his neighbor and close friend, Ted Bussey. Raising cattle and tending his garden brought him great satisfaction. He especially cherished the opportunity to share the fruits of his labor with his friends, neighbors, and church family—simple, generous acts that spoke volumes about his character.
Most importantly, Denver was a devoted family man. He found purpose in every moment spent with his loved ones, and his legacy of kindness, humility, and hard work will live on through the many lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOMC Hospice or Evangelistic Outreach in Denver’s memory.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 PM Tuesday July 1, 2025, at D.W. SWICK FUNERAL HOME in Wheelersburg. Funeral Services will be 11 AM Wednesday July 2, 2025, with visitation from 10 to 11 at Rubyville Community Church with Pastors Calvin Ray Evans and Brian Baer officiating. Interment will follow at Vernon Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to DWSwickFuneralHome.com
