Don Rakestraw

Graveside services with military honors for Don Rakestraw, 73, of Gainesville, TX, are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 13, 2020, at Fairview Cemetery, Gainesville.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 12, at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

Mr. Rakestraw passed away January 8, 2021 in Dallas.

Don was born August 2, 1947 in Superior, NE.  He graduated from high school in Republic, KS.  Shortly after graduation, Don enlisted in the USAF and served in Vietnam.  He married Linda Wright in Wichita Falls, TX on December 8, 1975.  Mr. Rakestraw was discharged from the Air Force following 15 years of service and the family remained in Wichita Falls where Don was a Civil Service Instructor at Shepherd AFB.  He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and always had a building or remodeling project going.  Mr. Rakestraw was a passionate member of VFW Post 1922.  He enjoyed golfing, but especially enjoyed spoiling his beloved grandchildren.

Survivors include: wife of 45 years, Linda Rakestraw of Gainesville; son, Russell Schmid and wife, Brenda of Gainesville; daughter, Lisa Bowles and husband, Fred of Valley View; daughter Chantelle Redman and husband, Tim of Benedict, NE; son, Devin Rakestraw and wife, Nancy of Lewisville; son Jay Bowen and wife, April of Lewisville; daughter, Stacy Childress of Gainesville; grandchildren: Jason, Trevor, Travis, Ryan, Taylor, Anna, Josh, Courtney, Brianna, Logan, and Cody; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, LeRoy Rakestraw and wife, Judy of Winfield, KS; and sister, Carolyn Meints and husband, Gayle of Columbus, NE.

Mr. Rakestraw was preceded in death by: parents, Myrl and Irene Rakestraw; grandson Zachary Rakestraw; brother George Rakestraw; and brother Myrl Rakestraw, Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to: VFW Post 1922 in Gainesville.