Donald Vernon Rabren

Donald Vernon Rabren, (86), Pike Road, Alabama, passed away on August 10, 2023. Donald, or Don, was the fourth of nine children born to Austin and Beatrice Rabren, on November 17, 1936, in Andalusia, Alabama. Don was a Christian, a loving husband, and devoted family man. Don and his wife Nancy had a wonderful and loving life together. Their love story began during a chance encounter at Pepperrell Baptist Church in 1957 There he met his bride to be, Nancy Thomason from Alabaster, where she was attending a Bible study while visiting with her aunt and uncle from Opelika. Shortly after that special day they shared 65 years of wedded happiness.

Don served in the US Navy from 1956 to 1960. Don had a 35 year career as a State Farm Agent in Montgomery during which he dutifully served his clients with a warm smile and sincere compassion. Don was very active in church and in the community. He served as a deacon and the choir leader for the Pike Road Baptist Church for many years. He also coached softball and served as a volunteer fire fighter. One of his most favorite community activities was spinning tales and talking politics with members of the Pike Road Community Coffee Club. He enjoyed raising and caring for all types of animals including horses, cows, chickens, dogs, and cats, to name a few. Don also loved attending horse and mule competitions with his wife, family, and friends. He enjoyed and often led camping and hunting trips with his sons, brothers, grandchildren and extended family members. He loved to travel with his wife Nancy and with other family members and friends. He often talked about happy memories he made during his travels with the Alabama Happy Traveller's Camping Club and on trips with his grandchildren.

Don was predeceased by his mother and father Austin and Beatrice Rabren and his brothers, Marcus, Harold, and Paul Rabren, and sister Marie Salter. Don is survived by his wife Nancy and their two sons, Donnie (Karen) and Alan (Angie) Rabren his four brothers and sisters, Kathyrn Dilbeck, Carlos Rabren, Patricia Mitchell, and Wayne Rabren, and his precious five grandchildren, four adorable great-grandchildren and 21 beloved nieces and nephews and a large loving extended family.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am followed by services at 12:00 pm at Woodland Methodist Church on August 14, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AlabamaHeritageFH.com for the Rabren family.