Raymond Lee Oberlin

Raymond Lee Oberlin, age 53, of Bowerston and formerly of Carrollton, passed away peacefully in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, August 05, 2007, from his residence to his heavenly reward. Born at Canton, October 5, 1953, he was a son of Wendell Jay and Audrey Delphine Bardo Oberlin who survive and reside at Carrollton. Raymond was a 1972 graduate of Carrollton High School. Together with his natural talent as a mechanic and his excellent work ethic, Raymond went to work for Ed Long Inc. repairing farm equipment. For many years, Raymond was a master mechanic for Kokosing Inc. where he enjoyed the friendship of his co-workers. Reared on a dairy farm, Raymond enjoyed the outdoors, and spent his time when not working as a mechanic, operating his own farm. He was a member of Local #18 of the International Operators Association. Collecting John Deere memorabilia and watching NASCAR were among his favorite pastimes. Raymond will be remembered as an easygoing and warm gentleman to his friend and companion of four years, Kim Inboden, of Bowerston. The two cared deeply for one another, and in the twilight of Raymond’s life, Kim provided comfort and fostered a peaceful atmosphere for Raymond’s earthly life to transition into eternity. His family also includes his step-daughter, Christine Blanc-Osborne and her husband Bill who reside in Arden, North Carolina, with their two children Maxwell and Gabrielle Osborne, all of whom will miss their loving father and grandfather. A brother, Keith and wife Becky Oberlin of Malvern, and a sister, Becky and husband Bob Woodruff of Zephyr Hills, Florida, complete the family.A step-son, Bryon Blanc, precedes Raymond in death.Friends are invited to call Tuesday, August 7, from 2PM-4PM and from 6PM-8PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Following visitation, Raymond will be cremated. His inurnment on the family farm will follow at a later date. In gratitude for their exemplary care, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Charity Hospice, 500 Luray Drive, Wintersville, Ohio 43953.