David Rader, 83, of Morganton, NC passed away, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Born on June 4, 1941, he was the son of the late David and Ethel Rader.
David graduated from Morganton High School in 1959 and from Wake Forest College in 1963. In 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Erwin Hutchins, and forever referred to her as Sweet Betsy. He had a long career in the furniture industry and retired from Henredon Furniture in the early 2000s. Mr. Rader was a member of Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217 and the Burke County Shrine Club.
David served on the board of directors of the American Childrens Home, the History Museum of Burke County, and the Burke Arts Council. He also served on the City of Morganton Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments and on the Morganton City Council Advisory Committee on Fair Housing.
He sang in the choir of First Presbyterian Church for many years and served as a deacon and an elder. He enjoyed playing golf and had a hole-in-one twice. In 1978, he ran the Charlotte Marathon. In 1987, David carried the Olympic Torch through Morganton.
A loving husband, father, and grandfather, David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Betsy Hutchins Rader; children, Todd Rader and Lorie Rader Rehberger (Paul); and grandson, Joseph Rehberger (Mary Zwolinski).
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church Morganton with the Rev. Dr. John Hagmann and Rev. Rick Leissner officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with Masonic Rites provided by Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC, 28655, Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church, 2698 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655, or to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Visitation
March 21, 2025
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center
Service
March 22, 2025
2 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Committal
March 22, 2025
Forest Hill Cemetery
