Thomas Ray Raper

RICHMOND, Ind. - Thomas Ray Raper, 76, went to be with the Lord on April 14th, at Holy Cross Hospital, in the year of our Lord 2015. He was born in Richmond, Indiana, on October 21, 1938, and was residing with his wife of 46 years, Suzanne Raper, in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. At every opportunity available, Tom was always ready to share the gospel with someone, even taking the opportunity going down the elevator. He was a wonderful, compassionate, and caring soul winner. He was deeply interested in everyone, no matter who it was, or what stage in their life. The Lord led many people into his life, because of his boldness in his witness for God. Tom believed deeply in Proverbs 11:30 that he that winneth souls is wise. The Lord gave Tom many opportunities to speak to churches and colleges to encourage everyone to steer a path toward the Lord. Tom prayed everyday for wisdom over his business and all aspects of life for the Lord to guide him. As James 1:5 says, “If any one of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all liberally.” Tom followed the Lord with great humbleness doing the work that God called him to do. As it says in Revelations 13:14 “Your works do follow you”. Tom was a great philanthropist, and his desire was to bring glory to the Lord. Tom was honored to be asked to serve on many boards including: 1) The University of the Cumberlands (Formerly Cumberland College), Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he received his Honorary Doctorate Degree, 2) Crown College, Powell, Tennessee, and 3) IU (Indiana University) East, Richmond, Indiana. Tom loved buying Christian books and Bibles so he could give them away. He would carry an assortment in his trunk so that he would always be prepared to give at anytime. Whatever success Tom may have attained through his business, Tom Raper RVs and Mobile Homes, this paled in comparison to the joy that he had in the Lord. Tom felt rich in the Lord’s work. Suzanne Raper wants to extend her most sincere, deepest gratitude for all the volunteers who visited and sat with Tom in the hospital, and all of those who cared and prayed for him. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mildred Raper, and his sister, Sally Fares. Tom’s survivors are his wife, Suzanne Raper; sisters, Nancy Brookbank and Carolyn Runzer; and several nieces and nephews. Public visitation for Thomas Ray Raper will be from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3469 Hillcrest Road, Richmond, Indiana 47374. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Hillcrest Baptist Church with the burial immediately following in Earlham Cemetery. Officiating over the services are: Tim Schelling, Northern Kentucky Baptist Church in Lakeside Park, Kentucky, followed by Ronald Hon, Pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church of Marion, Indiana, and closing with John Collier, Pastor of Parkview Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Tom Raper Foundation, Inc., 43 South 8th Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Ray Raper

October 21, 1938 - April 14, 2015