Lowell Rakestraw

RAKESTRAW, Lowell David Age 73 of Hendersonville, died August 8, 2007 after a valiant fight with cancer. Born in Berlin Center, OH on October 24, 1935, he was preceded in death by his parents, Jennie Micken Rakestraw and Howard Jerry Rakestraw, and sister, Darlene Flowers. He attended Mount Union College, Alliance, OH, where he received a degree in Chemistry. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 and was stationed at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, MD. He was employed as Chief Chemist at Ashtabula Rubber from 1964-1978, and was employed in technicalchemical sales for R.T. Vanderbilt in Norwalk, CT from 1978 until his retirement in 2000. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Nancy Eyster Rakestraw; a daughter, Roberta Rakestraw of Virginia Beach; son, David J. Rakestraw Lynne of Livermore, CA; sister, Janet Kille Don of Avon Park, FL; and brother, Howard Micken Rakestraw of San Francisco, CA. He leaves four grandchildren, Emily, Noah, Jacob and Clay, and several nieces and nephews. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville where he served as a Stephens Minister. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him for his kind and generous spirit. In lieu of flowers, memorable contributions may be made to the In Christ's Way Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Companions class at FUMC. A Memorial service will be conducted at the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, 217 East Main Street, Henderson-ville, TN 37075 at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2007 with Rev. Michael Williams and Rev. Lynn Hinkle officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. HENDERSONVILLE MEMORY GARDENS AND FUNERAL HOME, 353 Johnny Cash Pkwy., Hendersonville, TN 615 824-3855. www.harpethhills.com