Donald Jack Raines' Obituary
Donald Jack Raines, loving husband and father of three, peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2018, at the age of 87. He was surrounded by family lifting him up to His Savior. He retained his kind spirit, clear mind, and good wit until the end of his life.The youngest of six children, Don was born September 26, 1930 (on the cusp of the Great Depression), in his family home, in Dallas, to Oscar and Winnie Raines. He was best known for his public service as the Mayor of Garland (1972-1976), Councilman (1960’s), and as an original founding Board Member of LSTA/DART (1978-1991). Prior to his commitment to community, Don followed in his brothers’ footsteps for military service by participating in multiple historically significant battles in Korea, as a Member of the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his return home, he reunited with his high-school Student Council VP opponent, Nancy Ellen Baker, and married her on September 10, 1954. Together they raised two daughters, Beverly and Mary, and one son, Don Jr.Don had passion and sincere dedication for leading the City of Garland. “Don’t write my obituary just yet,” he was remembered as saying upon his last city council meeting as Mayor, in 1976, and then he continued to give back to his community over the next 15 years. Don’s profession was Realtor and Appraiser, and he never retired. He is known for honesty and integrity in all aspects of his life.In his personal life, Don was just as dedicated to his family. He was completely devoted during the hardships and passing of both his younger daughter (Mary Ledbetter, who died of cancer at age 31) and his accomplished wife (Nancy Raines, who died of Alzheimer’s, age 80). Don was also preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, several nephews, and nieces. He is survived by his daughter (Beverly Thompson), his son (Don Raines Jr), his granddaughter (Christy Cherett), his grandsons (Barrett Ledbetter and Brad Ledbetter), nephews and nieces … all close to his heart. Don has loyal, life-long friends from childhood to this day, who were devoted to him during the last days of his life.Visitation hours will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas. A funeral service will commence at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at the First Baptist Garland (chapel) at 801 W Avenue D, Garland, Texas. Graveside service, with military honors, at Restland will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Disabled American Veterans Charity, and First Baptist Garland charities.
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