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Homer Samuel Joseph Raekes
04/28/1929 — 03/14/2013
From Richland, WA, USA | Born in Montague, MI
Homer Samuel Joseph Raekes
Homer Samuel Joseph Raekes, 83, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend left this world for a better place on March 14, 2013.
Homer was born in his grandparent's home in Montague, Mich. on April 28, 1929, and was the oldest child of Samuel Kakarakis and Muriel Downey Taylor. Homer attended Columbia Richland High School and in 1947 joined the Navy as a Corpsman attached to the Marine Air Group 24 serving time in Hawaii and Guam. After proudly serving his country he was discharged from the Navy in 1950 and attended Gonzaga University.
Homer met Georgia his loving wife of 50 years through family members who had moved to Richland to work at Hanford. They were married on June 2, 1955, in her hometown of Algona, Iowa, and returned to make their home in Richland. He lived for 55 years in the same converted B House where he and Georgia raised their six children. Homer was proud to be one of the last true original "South Richlanders."
Homer began his 40-year career on the Hanford Site as a lab technician for General Electric. He worked for various contractors on the Hanford site until his retirement from Westinghouse in April 1994.
Homer was the ultimate family man and loved nature in all forms including camping, gardening, and bird watching. He played fast-pitch softball on the Dead Legs team and coached his childrens' teams as well. He was an avid Nascar and Hydroplane fan.
He is survived by his children: Cheryl of Greenville, S.C., Greg of Shoreline, Wash., Mary Scott Butterfield of Richland, Lori Dave Chase of Ronald, Wash., Cindy Kevin Smith of Plain, Wash., and Nicholas of Richland; grandchildren: Michael Dietrich and Sam Smith; Jennifer, Sara and Eryka Butterfield; Patric and Stuart Chase; and Brenna Smith; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Phil Mary Raekes, and sisters Olga Dick Driskell, and Helen Smith, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Homer was preceded in death by his loving wife Georgia and grandson Dillon Smith.
A Rosary will be held at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 7:00 PM in Einan's Funeral Home, with visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM, followed by military honors at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
The family extends special thanks to the caring team of Hospice at the Chaplaincy especially Julie, Paul, Dara, and Tania for their love, patience and guidance.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to any chapter of the Humane Society.
Homer in my younger years was like a father to me. He was our neighbor and when my mother had to work nights He and Georgia would watch my sister and I. He was always there for me when I needed him! I will miss him.
Sad to hear, but in a better place with Georgia.
Dennis
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. We know he has joined Georgia and has found a happier place. Even knowing this it’s still a tough road to go down. We are sending you are love and praying for you. HUGS!
My condolences to the extended Raekes family! My family, the Bush’s Bob, Aleene, Gary, Dorothy & myself, grew up and lived across from the Raekes’ family on Atkins Ave.
Dear Cheryl and family: God bless Homer and the legacy he leaves. Peace be with you. We are there in spirit. Monica & Mike
Homer was a great friend to me for 58 years.His emails to me gave me great garden tips,Will Rogers philosophy, and just old friend comradery.I will miss him a lot. Aunt Shelle
ll Timothy 4:6-9
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
My brother Homer was a dedicated
family man and patriot and such a
wonderful friend to me as well. The miles that separated us were
nothing thanks to the wonders of the
internet. I already miss him.
Love, Little Sis
Cheryl, I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Homer will be missed. By his children, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, his sisters, and his loving brother. Phil Raekes
Cheryl and family – my thoughts and love during this amazingly difficult time. Take care of each other and cherish the good memories.
Homer in my younger years was like a father to me. He was our neighbor and when my mother had to work nights He and Georgia would watch my sister and I. He was always there for me when I needed him! I will miss him.
Sad to hear, but in a better place with Georgia.
Dennis
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. We know he has joined Georgia and has found a happier place. Even knowing this it’s still a tough road to go down. We are sending you are love and praying for you. HUGS!
My condolences to the extended Raekes family! My family, the Bush’s Bob, Aleene, Gary, Dorothy & myself, grew up and lived across from the Raekes’ family on Atkins Ave.
Dear Cheryl and family: God bless Homer and the legacy he leaves. Peace be with you. We are there in spirit. Monica & Mike
Homer was a great friend to me for 58 years.His emails to me gave me great garden tips,Will Rogers philosophy, and just old friend comradery.I will miss him a lot. Aunt Shelle
ll Timothy 4:6-9
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
My brother Homer was a dedicated
family man and patriot and such a
wonderful friend to me as well. The miles that separated us were
nothing thanks to the wonders of the
internet. I already miss him.
Love, Little Sis
Cheryl, I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Homer will be missed. By his children, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, his sisters, and his loving brother. Phil Raekes
Cheryl and family – my thoughts and love during this amazingly difficult time. Take care of each other and cherish the good memories.
To the Family of Homer Raekes,
We had the opportunity to take Homer to the Indianapolis 500 Race here in Indiana several years ago. We had a great time with him. I remember Homer taking a picture of a cardinal sitting on our fence in our backyard. The picture was beautiful, just as Homer was. He was a kind gentleman. We kept in touch through the years with Christmas cards. We will miss hearing from him.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
May God comfort and bless you.
My condolences to the Raekes family. Just recently my brother Gary and I were talking about Greg. Odd, after all these years! Would love to reconnect with you Greg, I think some apologize are in order. Some of us picked on you mercilessly back in those dayz! SORRY.. I know Gary would love to see you, if you are in town. You cant text or call me. 509-222-4557
I didn’t know your mom & dad still had the same “B” house in Richland. ;- My parents still have the “E” house there. It’s just my mom and brother Jeff now. My dad passed in 2008..:`
Again, I’m very sorry for your loss, and I pray that God comforts your family, as life’s journey continues for the rest of you…
Sincerely,
Debbie Pietz
My eldest brother, Homer Raekes, will remain in my mind forever as a caring, compassionate man capable of fixing everything from sick roses to a generator. His photography was excellent. To me he was the salt-of-the earth; a dedicated, loyal, patriotic American who served his country with honor. It seems he was among the last of those who chose to preserve the memory of the true American veteran. He was not only loyal to his country but to his beautiful wife of over 50 years, Georgia, and to the six children who came from that union.
I trust the Lord to comfort and sustain his posterity and to always honor his memory. I know I will.
With much love, until we meet again,
Your sister always,
Olga Raekes Driskell
TO THE RAEKES FAMILY, I’LL MISS SEEING HOMER DOWN AT THE SPUDNUT SHOP. WE’D OFTEN RECOUNT THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD OF “SOUTH RICHLAND”. NEIGHBORS OF THEN ARE GRADUALLY “MOVING ON”. YOU ARE NOW IN YOUR GLORY, HOMER. BOB
My deepest sympathy to all of you, I loved him so very much and will miss him deeply. I am sorry I am unable to be there but you are all in my thoughts! I have so many wonderful memories of times with your family. Love you all
Guestbook for
Homer Samuel Joseph Raekes