Raphael J. Sabatka Sr.

Oct. 4, 1921-July 21, 2005

ATWOOD -- Raphael J. Sabatka Sr., 83, died Thursday (July 21, 2005), at the Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood.

He was born Oct. 4, 1921, in Stratton to Ralph J. and Lucy T. (Sramek) Sabatka. He was baptized into the Catholic faith at St. John Nepomucene Church in Beardsley, Kan. He graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1940.

He worked at Boeing Aircraft Co., and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Sept. 19, 1942. He was a fuel cell repairman and was assigned to the 3rd Aircraft Fighter Unit. He spent most of his enlistment in the Southern Philippines-Luzon Westen Pacific Area. He received the American Service medal, Asiatic Pacific Service medal, Good Conduct medal, Philippine Liberation ribbon with one Bronze Star and the World War II Victory medal. He was honorably discharged at Fort Logan, Colo., on Jan. 23, 1946. He returned to work for Boeing and then later came home to farm.

On Sept. 12, 1949, he married Agnes Cahoj. After retiring from farming, they spent winters in Tuscon, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Raymond.

Survivors include his wife, Agnes of Atwood; four sons, Brian and wife, Connie of McDonald, R.J. and wife, Susie of Beardsley, Craig and wife, Diana of Atwood, and Vaughn and daughter Autumn, also of Beardsley; a sister, Maxine and husband, Bob Prideaux of Atwood; 8 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial was today at St. John Nepomucene Church in rural Atwood with the Rev. Damian Richards officiating. Interment was at St. John's Cemetery.

Memorials may be left at the funeral home.

Williams Funeral Home of Atwood is in charge of arrangements.