Paul Richard Raberding was born on October 2, 1954 in Anthony, Kansas to Maurice Daniel and Ella Jean (Smith) Raberding.  He graduated with the Chaparral High School class of 1972.  Paul concluded a life vigorously lived December 8, 2019 and his 65 years graced and enhanced those he chose as friends with a wealth of crippling laughter, poignant witticisms, and true tales of legendary exploits.

Paul's passing finds an untold number of people having lost their best friend.  His open and genuine, sometimes brutal, honesty was the hallmark of man incapable of meeting a stranger.  Across the whole of the United States, and Australia, lives have been brightened and personalities enhanced for having known Raberding.

Machinist, carpenter, mechanic, co-conspirator, and the best time any soul has ever found on a porch with a cold beer.  Days with Paul ended in a story to tell and a face rewardingly sore from raucous laughter - always looking forward to the next chance to enjoy more of the same.

Legions of people know Paul from endless miles on two wheels.  Reunions with long-time friends and consistently making new ones along the way.  Each story unique, yet each perfectly the same: "I've loved that guy from the moment I met him …"

Springer front ends, stray cats, open roads under blue skies, and welcoming neon will continue to spark the best of happy memories for those fortunate enough to have known Paul in his all-too-brief time here.  Moving forward the stories and laughter are what will carry those left behind through the loss of a larger-than-life personality.

Preceded in death by parents of whom he was infinitely proud, Maurice and Jean Raberding and a niece, Traci Misak.  He is survived by his sister, Cindy Coyne and her husband, Tom of Licking, Missouri and his brother, best friend, and voice of reason, Dan Raberding and his wife, Sue of Harper, Kansas; nieces and nephews: Heath (Kim) Coyne, Lori (Patrick) Coyne Volkman, and Tatum Henke; many cousins and other relatives.  Additionally, he permanently and positively impacted thousands of friends, hundreds of co-workers, innumerable riding partners, and the Iron Liver Goons.

Light breezes and blue skies, Old Man …

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Funeral service is 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Harper with Pastor Ron Eden officiating.  Interment follows at the Harper Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Humane Society of Wichita and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is assisting the family with arrangements and services.