Howard Lee Raines age 85 of Gassaway Road near Normantown, WV; departed this life in the early morning hours of Monday March 20, 2017 at the Genesis Health Care, Glenville Center, following an extended illness.
Born June 3, 1931 in Webster County, WV; Howard is the son of the late David F. and Mary C. Belcher Raines.
Howard was a veteran of the United States Navy having served on the USS Bennington, a Navel aircraft carrier in the 1950’s. He was a maintenance supervisor for the Dept. of Highways with 20 years experience and member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Howard was a “jack of all trades”. He enjoyed boating, fishing, travelling all over the United States, and enjoying the quiet life in Gilmer County.
On July 10, 2004, Howard was united in marriage to his loving wife Elsie Dot Stout Raines, who survives at their Normantown home.
Surviving are 2 children, Steven Raines Sr. and wife Rachel and Michael Raines, both of Weston, WV; 3 step children, Timothy Butler and wife Dawn, Randy Butler and wife Debbie, and Robin James and husband Johnny, all of Normantown, 3 grandchildren, Michael, Steven Jr., and Chevelle Raines, all of Weston, 6 step-grandchildren, Seth Butler of Normantown, Lark Fish and husband Nick of Pratt, WV; Ashley Barker and husband Clayton of Bunker Hill, WV; Rachael Tomblin and husband Ryan of Sand Fork, WV; Julie Busby and husband Stan of Normantown, and April Bostic and husband Tim of Exchange, WV; 8 step-great grandchildren, Isabella, Jackson, Ishaiah, Wyllow, Lily, Ryder, Rayden, and Ellianna, and 1 sister-in-law, Ada Raines of Camden, WV.
Along with his parents, Howard was preceded in death by 2 brothers, John and David Raines.
Funeral Services will be conducted at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at 11:00 AM; Thursday, March 23, 2017 with Pastor Richard Westfall and Pastor Larry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow immediately in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery with Full military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Lewis County Honor Guard. Friends will be received from 5-8 PM; Wednesday evening at the Ellyson Mortuary in Glenville.
Ellyson Mortuary Inc. is assisting the family of Howard Lee Raines with arrangements.
