Nora Ellen BRADFORD RAKESTRAW

Otis
Jul 26, 1922
Mar 5, 1998

Ellen
Aug 15, 1921
May 30, 2009

Otis John Rakestraw was born on July 26, 1922 at Hebron, Nebraska, the son of Percy Edgar Rakestraw and Ella Iona Miller Rakestraw. He departed this life on March 5, 1998 at his home near Willow Springs, at the age of 75 years, 7 months and 9 days.
He was united in marriage to Nora Ellen Bradford on July 14, 1941, at Ash Flat, Arkansas, and they have made their home at Willow Springs.
Otis accepted Christ into his life on March 2, 1969, and was baptized on March 30, 1969. He was ordained as a Deacon in the General Paptist Denomination on December 28, 1978, and had been a member of the Burnham General Baptist Church for 29 years.
Otis worked at a variety of jobs during his life. He worked at a chicken hatchery in Willow Springs. He assembled instrument panels for B-29s at the Boeing Factory in Wichita, Kansas during World War II. He returned to Willow Springs and worked making concrete blocks, drove a truck for Pepsi Cola, and worked as Assistant Manager in Duff's Western Auto Store. He worked for the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department in Distric 9 for 27 years and retired as District Auditor.
Otis was a farmer raising cattle, vegetables and flowers. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, working in his greenhouse and when he was younger, baseball. He played baseball for a city team and the highway department. He was one of the best first basemen until he broke his foot wearing cleats that were loaned to him. He was a Dad who played with his kids and helped with their homework. He also enjoyed a good western either in a book or on TV.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of over 56 years, Ellen, his children, Darlene and Noland Durnell of Safford, Arizona, Charlene and Ray Piatt of Republic, Missouri, Rob and Pam Rakestraw of Willow Springs, and John Rakestraw and his Fiance, Kristy Chiles of Springfield, Missouri, nine grandchildren, Terry Durnell, Jenell Durnell, Susan Rakestraw, Katie Piatt, Jason Piatt, Amber Rakestraw and Eavin Rakestraw, two step-grandchildren, Donald Piatt and Stephanie McCormack, one adopted granddaugher, Kirstine Hansen, one sister, Beverly Moncrief of Jacksonville, Arkansas, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Nora Ellen Rakestraw, 87, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Ozarks Medical Center.
She was born Aug. 15, 1921, in Clear Springs, daughter of George Thomas Bradford and Maude Belle Combs. She and Otis John Rakestraw were married July 14,1941, at Ash Flat, Ark.
She enjoyed quilting, sewing, gardening, talking on the CB and decorating wedding and birthday cakes. When she was younger, she painted and sketched. She enjoyed talking to friends and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; Otis J. Rakestraw; an infant sister; a brother, Robert Eugene Bradford; and a twin sister, Lou Ella Sherrill.
Survivors include three brothers, Woodrow Bradford of Wilder, Idaho, Emmett Bradford of Summersville and Elmer Bradford of Elk Creek; a sister, May Linderer of Gravette, Ark.; two daughters, Melba Darlene Durnell and Nancy Charlene Piatt of Republic; two sons, Robby Ray Rakestraw of Willow Springs and John Carl Rakestraw of Shell Knob; seven grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were Monday, Aug. 3, at First General Baptist Church in Willow Springs with the Rev. Scott Williamson officiating. Burial was in Clear Springs Cemetery under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home.

Contributed on 5/1/15 by mjrwag
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Record #: 769509

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