Richard Jay Raines

March 23, 1933 - October 14, 2021

Richard Jay Raines, 88, of New Castle went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on March 23, 1933, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of the late Jay and Irene Raines. Richard served his country in the United States Army during the Korean war from March 17, 1953 to March 16, 1955 in the heavy artillery division. He married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Bush on January 1, 1954. Richard pastored churches for 55 years and served as a missionary in Grand Bahama, Dominica and Blind River, Ontario, for 28 years. He was an active member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church in New Castle. Richard enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, working with his hands fixing things and most of all he loved people. Those left to cherish his memory includes his wife, Mary Ellen Raines; five children, Tom Raines, Linda (husband: Don) Davison, Don (wife: Sharon) Raines, Rob (wife: Lydia) Raines and Cheryl Belcher; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; a sister, Dora Metzmaker; adopted brother, Darwin Lamoreaux; brother-in-law, Dick Shirely; nephews, Rob and Joe Shirely and numerous niece and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Eunice Raines, Norma Olin and Wanda Grace; adopted brother, Jerry Sulcer; a son-in-law, Samuel Belcher; great- grandson, Ervin Samuel Tyson; sister-in-law, Jenny Shirely; brother-in-law, Ron Bush and nephew, David Metzmaker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pilgrim Holiness Missions. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, October 18, 2021 at Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle with Pastor Don Raines, Associate Pastor Cale Manley and Rev. Don Davison officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition with military honors conducted by the United States Army and American Legion. Friends may call from 3 – 8 pm, Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Monday. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Richard Raines.