Obituaries

James Victore Rau

Photo of James Victore Rau
James Victor Rau, 87, of Jefferson City, passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab. He was born on November 28, 1933 in Tipton, Missouri, a son of the late Erbin and Clara (Koechner) Rau. James was a graduate of California High School and attended Lincoln University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, where he served overseas in Germany. After completing his active duty, he served in the US Army Reserves and the Missouri National Guard. James was employed as manager in 1961 for the US Rents-It store in Sedalia and served in that position for 10 years. In 1971, he was promoted to general manager of all three US Rents-It stores in Columbia, Sedalia and Jefferson City. He retired after 55 years serving also as president and part owner. He was a member of Central United Church of Christ, the Jefferson City Host Lions Club since 1972, and the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. James was a member of the American Rental Association and served as president of the Missouri Chapter for two years and was active as a speaker during their yearly seminars. He was a charter member of the RV Dealers of America and the Missouri RV Dealers. James is survived by his children: Kathy Thompson (Richard) of Fenton, Vicki Dudley (Randy) of Ava and John Rau (Taunia) of Auxvasse; siblings: Dorothy Daman, Sue Gilbert and Gary Rau; grandchildren: Ryan Thompson, Jacob Dudley, Hannah Dudley, Sarah Dudley, Rebecca Dudley, Orry Rau and Carmen Rau. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Jerry Rau and granddaughter: Kali Thompson. Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. Funeral Services will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Judith Scott officiating. Interment with full military honors will be held at Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Lions Eye Tissue Bank in Columbia, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.

Published June 10, 2021