Donald "Don" Clayton Raby, 93, De Pere, passed away Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2023. The son of Harold and Edna Raby was born December 28, 1929.

Don graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in Lansing, Michigan, June 1947. He served in the United States Army as a Sergeant in the Military Police from 1952 to 1954 at Fort Campbell Kentucky. He was proud to start the Rod and Gun club on the base.

Don was an entrepreneur and visionary. He was the founder of the Grand R Marina in Dimondale, Michigan and a privateer boat racer that no one could beat. He was recruited by Carl Kiekhaefer, owner of Kiekhaefer Mercury and Kiekhaefer Aeromarine.

Don won the American Power Boat Association (APBA) championship in 1963. Other accomplishments include one of five founders of ERDA Inc. in Peshtigo, WI, the designer of the fiberglass minesweeper program for Marinette Marine, developer of carbon fiber rotor blades and point to aim helmets for the blackhawk helicopters. Don also developed wood grain fiberglass for the Alsberg Boat Works Inc.

He is survived by his ex-wife Irene Zwick, daughter Annette Raby and partner Thomas and son Michael (Renee) Raby, and his grandchildren Jason Sweet, Brandon Sweet and Nicole Kiehnau.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, and his daughter Michelle.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Military Honors will conclude the visitation at 5:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Moments Hospice, all the caregivers at Carrington Commons and the ADRC of Green Bay for all their support.