Charles Leon Rau

February 15, 1924 – July 25, 1999

Charles Leon Rau, 75, Choctaw, a former Perry City Councilman, died July 25, 1999, at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City, following a battle with lung cancer.

Funeral will at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 1999, at the Bill Eisenhour Northeast Chapel, 8805 Northeast 23rd in Oklahoma City. Burial will follow at Jones IOOF cemetery.

Rau was born Feb. 15, 1924 in Perry, the son of Herman and Anna Rau. He graduated from Perry High School in May 1942.

He enlisted in the United States Air Corp. In December 1942, he became a B-26 Bombardier. After serving during World War II, he returned to Perry and opened Rau Bros. Oil Co., with his brother, Lawrence Ray. He also commanded the local National Guard unit of the 179th Infantry. He was again called to active duty with the 45th Infantry Division and served 1951-1953 in the Korean War. He was the recipient of several Air Medals in the European Theater. He retired in 1982 from the U. S. Army.

He served as a Ward Four City Councilman of Perry from 1953-54.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Rau, of the home; one son, Chris and wife Robin Rau, Edmond; three daughters, Charlene Roach and husband Hampton, Mandeville, LA, Cindy Keever, Harrah, and Jennifer Elmore, Trinity, TX; one step-son, Joe Miller, Choctaw; two step-daughters, Debbie and Carole Miller; grandchildren, Stephanie, Mark and Emily Roach, Zac and Ryan Keever, Lucas and Corey Elmore, Lauren and Matt Rau, Jill and Joey Miller; one brother, Matt Rau, Jay; and one sister, Mary Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carole Rau in 1969; one daughter, Beverly; three brothers and two sisters.