Raymond Henry Parbst, 91, of Aberdeen, on Saturday, April 18, 2009, went to join his Dear Lord for all eternity.

Mr. Parbst was born Nov. 2, 1917, in Queens, N.Y., to Edwin and Mathilda Parbst. Stricken with polio in his youth, the struggle for survival and healing forged his lifelong faith and characteristic determination. A lifelong student with a hunger for knowledge and many interests he spent a career in accounting. He was a health and nutrition enthusiast. He was an avid collector and gardener. Gifted with a creative mind, he will be remembered for channeling his talents into drawings, musings, poetry and dedications.

He had six children: Karen Parbst Halley, of Summerville, S.C., Dennis Parbst, of Levittown, N.Y., Erik Parbst, of Jackson Springs, Kurt Parbst, of Charlotte, Lance Parbst, of Wilson, and Lara Parbst Blue, of Aberdeen. Dennis preceded him in death in 2004. He had 13 grandchildren, John Halley, Kristen Williams, Tracy Hayhow, Nancy Hormann, Katelyn and Abbey Blue, Alissa and Lillian Parbst, Madeleine and Henry Parbst, Medley, Andianna, and Mason Davis. He had seven great-grandchildren, James and Cameron Hayhow, Allison and Julia Hormann, Wesley Halley, and Caleb and Rylie Williams.

Family will receive visitors at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines Tuesday, April 21, between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Page Memorial United Methodist Church in Aberdeen. Interment immediately following at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen.

Memorials may be sent to Page Memorial Methodist Church, P.O. Box 95, Aberdeen, NC 28315.

Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines is assisting the family.