Marion Joe Raines

Marion Joe Raines was born September 6th, 1925 in Turon, Kansas.  He was the first-born child of Benjamin Joel Raines and Marguerite Augusts (Haney) Raines.  Marion, age 93, peacefully passed away on October 11th, 2018 in Louisville, Colorado. Marion grew up alongside his younger brother, Robert (Bob) in Turon, Kansas where there family operated the Midwest Grain Elevator and John Deere Dealership.  Marion graduated from Turon High School in 1943 just prior to enlisting in the Navy to join the World War II efforts.  He trained at the Farragut Navel Training Station in northern Idaho prior to serving as a qualified submariner aboard the U.S.S. Razorback (SS 394) in the Pacific.  Marion completed 3 patrols aboard the Razorback as a Motor Machinist’s Mate.  He was honored to be aboard the Razorback on September 22nd, 1945 for the formal surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay.  Upon returning from the war Marion was engaged to his high school sweetheart, Muriel Ester Fulks.  Together with friends and family the traveled to Green Mountain Falls, Colorado where they were joined in marriage on August 20th, 1946.  They began their married life in Fort Collins, Colorado attending what was then Colorado A&M.  A short time later Marion and Mert moved to Limon to begin farming and ranching and to assist his family with implement dealership.  They raised four children; Kathleen, Michael, Sandra and Sidney.  The farming and ranching operation continued for another 60  plus years in Lincoln and Washington Counties.

Marion and Mert traveled extensively with friends, family, Ports of Call, Farm Managers and the Wheat Growers Association. They had several RV’s and a home in Breckenridge which they were happy to share with friends and family. Later in retirement they purchased a winter residence in Sun Lakes, Arizona where they enjoyed golfing and the warm weather.  When in Colorado they could often be seen on Sunday drives or on a tour of the farm.

Marion was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lincoln Lodge #146.  He also belonged to the Rotary Club, Flying Farmers, the Tamarack Golf Club, and Limon United Methodist Church.  Marion was also honored to be selected to the Judicial Nominating Commission for Colorado Supreme Justices.

Marion was a gentleman, a good friend, devoted husband and loving father.  He knew how to have a good time and liked to share those moments with friends and family.  Marion, with Mert by his side, had a good life.  After Mert was diagnosed with Dementia, Marion began to struggle with health issues as well. Marion was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Marguerite Raines; his wife, Muriel (Mert) Raines; son, Michael Raines;          sister-in-law, Donna Raines (Bob) and niece, Christy Raines.  He is survived by his brother, Robert (Bob) Raines and; three children and their spouces: Kathleen Clemons (Bud), Sandra Collie (Jim), Sidney Raines (Penni); grandchildren, Malinda Rey (james), Colleem McCormick (Mike, Jamie Overley (Ryan), and Amanda Raines; great-grandchildren, Sophie and Connor McCormick and Julia Rey.   

Memorials in Marion’s honor can be made to: Limon United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 178, Limon, Colorado 80828.