Kenneth Ray Rains

Kenneth Ray Rains, 80, passed from this life into the loving arms of his savior on July 31, 2014 at his home in Stillwater. Services for Mr. Rains have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater and a service celebrating his life will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, August 5,2014 at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Kenneth was born on June 25, 1934 in the Glencoe area to Clayton Leroy Rains Sr. and Edith Odetta (Robinson) Rains. In his early years he attended school in Farifax where he also delivered newspapers to the city residents. Later the family purchased land in the Glencoe area where they built a home and began farming. Kenneth work on the family farm and attended school at Quay High School where he graduated in 1952. Leaving the life of the farm Kenneth enlisted in the Army and served in the United States and Germany working as a member of the motorpool division. After being honorably discharged , Kenneth returned stateside where he met a beautiful young woman, Mary Jester. In June of 1959, Kenneth convince Mary to be his wife and they were married in Wichita Kansas spending the next 47 years raising their two children Marsha and Timothy in the Glencoe, Yale, and Stillwater areas.
Kenneth worked as a sign artist, painting signs and traveling the central United States painting billboards. After gaining experience working for others he opened The Rains Sign Company where he serviced Stillwater and the surrounding areas.
Wanting to further his education and with a love of art he enrolled in Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in fine arts. One of his favorite class projects while attending OSU was helping to construct the stained glass and metal artwork in the steeple at the First Christian Church on Duck street in Stillwater which is still standing today.
Kenneth continued to paint signs but branched out into the commercial and residential area as well starting a new business called Custom Decorators. In addition to standard painting he offered wall coverings and specialized services such as graphic and murals, some of which can still be seen at the Stillwater Public Library.
Although Kenneth took great pride in his work, the most important thing in his life was his relationship with the Lord. He was a relentless student of the bible and enjoyed a detailed study of the bible and the meaning of the the words in its original language. A highlight of his life was his trip to Israel where he was able to see and experience the many places he had studied. Kenneth's detailed knowledge of God's word led him to speak and preach at churches, camp meetings, and revivals locally as well as in other states throughout his life. In his later years Kenneth would load up his bible and his guitar and travel from town to town encouraging preachers and sharing his talent and testimony with their congregations. In 2002 he retired from full time work to care for his beautiful wife as she battled illness.
When he wasn't working or ministering, Kenneth enjoyed playing music, painting, sketching, drawing and attending services at Victory Christian Center. He was a member of the local bricklayers union, the local carpenters union and, the local painters union where he served as the business agent. Family was a priority for Kenneth. He was always there to support his children in their different endeavors and he was blessed with the chance to help raise his granddaughter, Misty. Kenneth spent many hours helping different members of his family build and remodel their homes and he was in charge of organizing his family's yearly family reunion for as long as anyone can remember. Kenneth Rains was a blessed man who did his best to bless others. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandpa and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and soul mate, Mary Nell Rains, an infant daughter, Gwenetta Mischelle Rains, a brother, Floyd Rains and a nephew Danny Rains. He is survived by his children: Tim Rains and wife Tammy of Stillwater and Marsha Jackson and husband Scott of Stillwater. Six grandchildren: Misty Flowers and husband Jason of Stillwater, Justin Rains of Stillwater, Cara Higgins and husband Glen of Port Lavaca, TX, Blake Houser of Coyle, Jesse Rains of Stillwater and Bethany Rains of Stillwater. Three great-grandsons: Daniel Flowers of Stillwater and Lane and Wyatt Higgins of Port Lavaca, TX. One brother, Clayton Rains Jr of Nicoma Park, OK. Three sisters: Minnie Carol Moebius and husband Gordon of Duncan, Nettie Douthit and husband Kenneth of Pea Ridge, AR and Barbara English and husband Richard of Choctaw. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Kenneth's name to Victory Christian Center Church in Stillwater, OK.
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guest book at www.pmcfh.com