William Raines

William Benjamin "Bill" Raines, well known Vinita resident and former businessman, passed away at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Claremore early Saturday, May 5, 2007. He was born November 12, 1921 in Vinita to George Merton Raines and Lela Jessiman Frazier Raines, they preceded him in death, as well as four siblings: Josephine Mercer, Lela Harris, G. M. (Bud) Raines and Lorene Sparks. Bill attended Vinita Schools graduating in 1940, later he attended Oklahoma State University and began working at Beechcraft in Wichita, and later McDonnell Douglas in Tulsa. He was drafted on July 23, 1943; Bill was a World War II veteran serving in the Army Air Corps, stationed in Italy. When he returned to Vinita, he owned Raines Conoco Station located on the corner of South Scraper and Canadian. Bill later worked at Eastern State Hospital as the re-imbursement officer, later he opened the Green Light Automotive Supply on South Wilson, until his retirement in 1994. He was a member of the Vinita Lions Club, and was Craig County's first Eagle Scout. He was a Mason, a member of the Akdar Shrine in Tulsa, and a charter member of the Craig County Shrine Club. He was a member of the Craig County Sportsman Club, past president of the Vinita School Board, Past Commander of the Dale Peace Post #40 and District Adjutant for the American Legion; he was the first WWII veteran to join the American Legion on his return to Vinita. Bill enjoyed sports, hunting and fishing. The family includes: his wife of 64 years Helen Pat (Foreman) Raines of Vinita, his daughter, Sandra Saunders and husband Russell of Tulsa; two grandchildren, Shana Rae VanAtta and husband John of Owasso, Craig Russell Saunders of Tulsa and two great-grandchildren, Maxwell William VanAtta and Alexandra Jane VanAtta of Owasso. Casket bearers will be, Russell Saunders, Craig Saunders, John VanAtta, John Sparks, Lowell Hatcher and Keith Cresap. Honorary bearers will be Roundy Dirickson, Dr. Ed Allensworth, Tom Ballard and Bob McSpadden. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Luginbuel Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Henry "Skip" McClain and Bob McSpadden officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita. Friends may give to the charity of their choice or the Vinita Public Library. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com.

Service Details

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 2:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home

Interment Details