I recently learned of the passing of Wendell Mead Rains. I did not know Wendell, but we are related. I’ll explain the family connection in the notes following the obituary.
My condolences to Wendell’s family.
Wendell Mead Rains, age 81 of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this life on Friday, December 31st, 2021 at his home. He was born in Watts, Arkansas on September 22nd, 1940 to William J. Rains and Eva E. Bohannon Rains.
Wendell graduated in 1960 from Marshall High School. He was 19 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He enlisted in May 1960 and served four years until 1964, including his time at Corpus Christi, Texas. He was on reserve until 1966. After his time in the Marines, he went to work for AP&L, which led to his position as a lineman. He retired after working for 29 years as a lineman in 1996. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 131. In his spare time, Wendell enjoyed crafting with wood, making masterpieces for his friends and family. You could usually catch him in town, having a cup of coffee with his friends. He really was a jack of all trades. He loved getting to spend time with his grandkids, who he loved dearly. Wendell was a very kind, gentle, hardworking man who was loved by all and will be terribly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Eva Rains; and siblings, Gallileo, Benson, Veda and Oda Jean.
Survivors include his son, William Rains of Marshall; daughters, Heather Oliver of Center Ridge and Marie Cole (Clinton) of Marshall; brothers, Rex Rains of Marshall and James Rains; sister, Loretta Salcido of CA; grandkids, Landon and Brooklyn Oliver and Mia and Carlee Cole; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside services for Wendell will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 at Nubbin Hill Cemetery with Bro. Joe Dale William’s officiating. Wendell will be laid to rest with Military Honors. Bearers will be Brent Battershell, William Rains, Clinton Cole, Dustin Isom, Chad Tyler and Harlie Treat. Honorary bearers will be Norbert Novak, Donnie Bert Watts, Rex Rains and Landon Oliver.
Notes
Wendell’s primary connection to me came from the side of his mother, Eva Elizabeth Bohannon. Eva was the daughter of Daniel Arthur Bohannon and Ada Barnes. My great-grandmother Mary Matilda Bohannon was Daniel’s sister, thus Wendell was my second cousin once removed. Mary and Daniel can be seen with their spouses in the Bohannan Family Photo that I posted some time ago.
Wendell’s father William was given the middle initial J in this obituary. According to Williams’s marriage license and the 1940 census, his middle name was Guthrie. Find a Grave stated his full name as William James Guthrie Rains, which accounts for the J.
Bibliography
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home. (January 2022). Wendell Mead Rains – Obituary & Service Detail. Retrieved 5 January 2022, from https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/memorialpage.asp?id=61531&locid=26
Graham Ancestry 