Carroll L. Raines

Carroll L. Raines, 77 went to meet his heavenly father on March 29, 2011. He was born on November 1, 1934 in Ames, Iowa to Ruth and Therson Crose. His early years were spent in Stanley, Kansas where he moved to Olathe, Kansas in the mid-1940's, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a graduate of Olathe High School and excelled in Track, Football and Basketball. His 1954 Olathe High School basketball team won the state tournament that year, with the help of his coach Ralph Denise. His woodworking teacher in high school, Mr. Ensor, introduced him to his passion for word turning, which later in life, would become favorite past time. After high school, Carroll met the love of his life, Barbara Henley and in 1956 they were married.

He entered the Army in 1957 where he served 2 years as a chaplain's assistant at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After returning from his military service, he became an apprentice lineman for Kansas City Power and Light. In 1961, Carroll's first and only son was born, Ricky Raines. Carroll and the family traveled extensively through the United States every summer. He was an avid fisherman and Duck hunter and was President of the prestigious group (S.O.D., Save our Ducks) with a total of 6 members.

He was deacon, children's church leader, Sunday school superintendent at the First Assembly of God in Olathe, Kansas. He was devoted to ministering young children. Many remember Danny his puppet, and the fun activities he would do. His strength as a father and church leader was based in his love for God and doing his work in the church.

In his later years, he was a wood turning expert. He loved to attend local craft and woodworking shows to share his work and visit with others. His noted specialty was to use local woods, and tell his story on each piece of work along with his signature imprinted on the bottom of each piece. His wife Barbara attended the craft shows with him on weekends, where they both loved visiting with people.

Carroll was a man of God who inspired and loved those around him. During his years he grew to become a caring grandfather, spending time with his grandchildren in the woods, and around the kitchen table. He will be greatly missed, but mostly remembered, for who he was, and the Godly life he led.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Raines, his son Rick Raines, His two grandchildren Erica and Patrick, Daugter in law Patti Raines. He is proceeded in death by his Father Thurson Crose, his mother Ruth Raines, his brother Leroy Raines, his sister Joy Shewchuck.