Kenneth Raber Obituary (2025)

Kenneth W. Raber (Wes) was born in Bremerton, Washington May 22, 1940, to parents, Kenneth M. Raber and Edna M. (McCarty) Raber, he passed on December 22, 2025. His father's work as a draftsman/architect, lead to Wes living in Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Yakima, the TriCities, Walla Walla then finally back to Yakima where he lived the rest of his life. Wes couldn't carry a tune yet was a talented musician, mastering the clarinet, saxophone and bassoon. He attended Yakima High School and Eisenhower High School, graduating in its first class of 1958. He went on to Washington State University, majoring in music, but quickly changed to Political Science. He married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Howard. After graduation, he earned his law degree from the University of Idaho law school. Wes and Lynn have a daughter, Susan (Larry) Imwalle, who lives in Salinas, California. After graduation, he worked with the Yakima County Prosecutor's office, then branched off with Perry Burien in private practice. After Perry's retirement, Wes moved to Kirshenmann, Devine and Fortier, where he became a partner. Later, Wes moved into his own practice, Raber Law Office, as a defense Attorney and Public Defender, where Gina Combelic was his office manager for over 26 years. Wes was an accomplished attorney with a reputation for effective and competent counsel and also served as City Attorney for Sunnyside, WA He had a very dry sense of humor and always seemed to know the "back" story behind every event. The stories he told were hilarious and always entertaining! He loved boating, and purchased a 52' yacht, the Beaujolais, touring Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands extensively. He also loved luxury automobiles, owning multiple high performance Mercedes sedans and convertibles. On the personal side, Wes and Lynn divorced, then Wes married Cheryl Hall, with her three children, Brian, David and Chris, who all called him "Raber". Ultimately, Wes and Cheryl divorced and Wes married Linda Vaughn. After time, Wes and Linda divorced, and Wes remained single for the rest of his life. Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Edna Raber and survived by his daughter, Susan (Larry) Imwalle, grandchildren, Evan and Maddie, stepchildren, Brian (Damon) Hall, David (Heather) Hall and Chris (Steve) Carlson -- siblings, Bill (Linda) Raber, Cathy (Lowell) Mowery and numerous nieces and nephews. Wes has requested no service after his death. He will be interred at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at brooksidefuneral.com.