Howard Oscar Rabon

Howard “Oscar” Rabon, 97, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2022, at his home in Chapin, SC.

Oscar was born in Lugoff, SC, to Eddie and Sallie (Kelly) Rabon on December 19, 1924.  He married Ellen Martin Rabon on June 13, 1947. He was predeceased by his siblings, Elma Schmidlkofer, Ed Rabon, and Ethel Branham. While serving in the U.S. Navy, Oscar worked on an Aviation Rescue Ship in Port Hueneme, CA. He was a WWII Veteran. He worked as Supervisor of Parking for the City of Columbia for 37 years and also worked parking at the USC Coliseum and for USC Football for 24 years.  He was an original member of the Columbia Shrine Club and Jamil Temple. He and Ellen worked tirelessly to help the Crippled Children’s Hospital. He was a former member of Reformation Lutheran Church in Columbia, SC, and was a current member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Fishing on Lake Murray and spending time on the coast were his hobbies.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 75 years, Ellen Martin Rabon, son Steve Rabon (Doris), daughter Susan Rabon Thomas, grandchildren Jennifer Rabon Wright (Chris), Kyle Rabon, Lauren Thomas Panarello (Matthew), Natalie Marie Lewis (Steven), Hilary Thomas Fordham (Ryan), Taylor Thomas, and six great-grandchilren.

Oscar touched many lives and, through the Lord, changed the world for his family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Chapin, SC. The family will greet friends at 5:00 p.m. before the Service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 215 St. Thomas Church Road, Chapin, SC 29036.