John Rayburn, 83
Jan. 14, 1928 — July 6, 2011
John N. “Nate” Rayburn, 83, of North 13th Street in Niles, died at 3:08 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend following an extended illness. He was born Jan. 14, 1928 in Niles to James Ernest Rayburn and Mary Clyda (Blackburn) Rayburn. He graduated from Niles High School and lived here all of his life. He retired from Simplicity Pattern Co. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Army. He was a member of the American Legion Post 26 in Niles and the Simplicity Golf League. John married Beverly Jean (Groves) Rayburn on July 2, 1955 in Niles. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Jean Rayburn and his brother, James Edmond Rayburn. Survivors include his sister, Marguerite Bjorkley of Niles; nephew, James P. (Eileen) Rayburn; and nieces Mary (Richard) Rayburn Kennedy and Laura (Robert) Rayburn Mashburn. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2011 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. The Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church will be officiating. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Friends may call beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. There will also be a flag presentation and “Taps” following the services at the funeral home by American Legion Post 26, Niles.
Niles Daily Star, Published online 5:36pm Friday, July 8, 2011