David Edwin Raver, age 78 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Health Campus in Batesville. Born November 17, 1946, in Batesville, IN, he is the son of Edwin and Lillian (nee: Lang) Raver. Dave married Carol Ann (nee: Meyer) Raver on May 5, 1972, at St. Louis Church in Batesville. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and a graduate of Batesville High School and Indiana University. Dave worked for Hillenbrand Industries for 34 years in the roles of Director of Compensation and Benefits and Vice President of Corporate Services. He then spent two years as Vice President of Human Resources at Forethought.
The most important things in Dave’s life were always his family, his community, and his career. In his mind, they were all linked, and each made the other better.
His greatest pride and joy were his wife, his two daughters, and his four grandkids. Dave’s best times always involved his family. It could be just hanging out together, going to the Indy 500, attending the grandkids’ events, watching IU soccer and basketball games, opening gifts on Christmas Eve, vacationing at a cabin in the mountains, or a trip to Disney World; it made no difference, as long as he was with the people he loved. While he will be dearly missed, everyone will cherish the great memories of their time spent together. His family will remember him for his stories, humor, sound advice, words of wisdom, guidance, and his never-ending love and support.
Throughout his lifetime, Dave spent countless hours volunteering and serving his community. When his girls were young, he spent many years coaching multiple youth sports (mostly soccer) and taught confirmation classes at St. Louis, having a positive impact on many children. He held various positions and worked on numerous projects on behalf of the local school system, the city administration, and the community in general. Whatever the task at hand, it was important to him and always a labor of love, regardless of the time and effort required. His most notable contributions include leading major updates to the Batesville Comprehensive Plan in 1997, 2008 and 2017, serving as President of the Zoning Board and Planning Commission for 26 years, serving as the first President of the Batesville Community Education Foundation, participating on the Downtown Strategic Development Plan committee, facilitating a capital improvement project for the Middle School and High School (1999), serving as President of the St. Louis School Board, helping lead the Batesville Ivy Tech Facility Expansion project, and helping lead the Unified Development Ordinance project to update the Batesville Planning, Zoning, and Construction Provisions (2021). He was a proud and humbled recipient of the City Volunteer of the Year Award in 2005. Dave never wanted credit for anything and preferred to be behind the scenes, but his leadership, diplomacy, dedication, calm demeanor, patience, knowledge, ability to listen, and desire to serve others, will leave a lasting impact on the City of Batesville. He was a champion of the city, and most people will never know the true role he played in the community and future success he helped ensure.
Dave was a man of utmost integrity. He was always friendly, truly cared about people, and loved making people laugh. In his spare time, he enjoyed music, reading, Sudoku puzzles, golfing, and walking. He loved listening to his two granddaughters, Laine and Lilah, and his son-in-law, Jeff, sing and play the guitar and piano.
He is survived by his wife Carol Ann of Batesville; daughters Renee (Jeff) Schwegman of Indianapolis, IN and Kathy (Charlie) Cruz of Fishers, IN; grandchildren Laine and Ty Schwegman and Lilah and Max Cruz. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Robert and James Raver.
Visitation hours will be Friday, January 3, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will take place Friday, January 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. immediately following with Rev. Katherine Beckett of St. John’s UCC Penntown officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Batesville Community Education Foundation (BCEF) or Batesville EMS, two organizations near and dear to Dave. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.