Wiley Cleveland Raulston, 98

Wiley Cleveland Raulston, born Dec. 2, 1926, in Vinita, Okla., to Wiley Cleveland Raulston and Josie Raulston, passed away Oct. 24, 2025, at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls, Idaho.

As a young man in Vinita, Okla., Wiley once ran away from home at the age of 16 to join the military, but his mother asked him to come home and agreed to sign for him when he turned 17 so he could enlist. He joined the United States Navy on Dec. 6, 1943, just four days after his 17th birthday. During World War II, he proudly served on Utility Squadrons 13 and 7 in the Pacific Islands, spending much of his time in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged May 22, 1946.

Following his military service, Wiley built a distinguished 39-year career with Douglas Aircraft Company of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, where he served as superintendent of tool fabrication until his retirement in 1985.

Through family connections, Wiley met the love of his life, Thelma Rae Troutman. They were married April 14, 1947, at the Troutman family home in Inglewood, Calif. Together, they raised six children — Rhetta, Randy, Roxana, Rene, Dean and Deanne — sharing 72 years of marriage marked by loyalty, faith and devotion to their family.

Wiley and Thelma raised their children in Inglewood, Torrance, and Tustin, Calif. Later, as their youngest daughter moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, they traveled there seasonally as snowbirds to be near family. Over time, they grew to love the community and eventually made Coeur d’Alene their full-time home.

A man of deep faith, Wiley was an active member of Red Hill Lutheran Church in Tustin, Calif., serving faithfully as an usher for many years. After moving to Idaho, he attended Real Life Ministries with his family.

Wiley was a man of many talents and passions. He loved finding antiques and restoring them, working with various woods and tackling home projects. He cherished camping, fishing and spending peaceful hours tending to his garden. He also loved cracking macadamia nuts with his kids and grandkids from their backyard tree. He spent hours swinging on his backyard swings and, later in life, pointing out every plane he could see in the distance in the sky. Always happiest using his hands, he had a unique gift for building, fixing and creating — and somehow always seemed to have the exact tool needed. His cheerful attitude, bright smile and steady willingness to lend a hand made him a beloved presence in the lives of all who knew him.

He touched many lives with his wisdom, humor and unwavering spirit of perseverance. His remarkable life stands as a testament to resilience, curiosity and a steadfast heart.

Wiley is lovingly remembered by his children: Rhetta O’Connor of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Randy Raulston of Cypress, Calif.; Roxana Ledbetter of Hayden, Idaho; Rene Gipson of Post Falls, Idaho; and Deanne Nosworthy of Rathdrum, Idaho. He is also remembered by his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Thelma Rae Raulston, and his son, Dean Raulston.

Wiley has gone home to be with the Lord, reunited with Thelma, resting in the loving arms of Jesus and welcomed into his eternal home. He will be forever cherished in the hearts of all who loved him.

A funeral service will be held at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel (744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814), at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. Following the service, an honor ceremony will take place at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake at 11:15 a.m.

Please visit Wiley's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.