William “Bill” C. Rakes, 72, of Fremont, OH passed away on March 17, 2022 at Elmwood Communities in Fremont, OH. He was born on February 9, 1950 in Fremont, OH the son of Virgil “Torch” and JoAnne (Watts) Rakes. Bill was a 1968 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. He served in the Ohio National Guard Company B 612TH Engineer Battalion in Fremont, OH for eight years. Bill married Deborah “Debbie” Albert on May 31, 1974 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fremont, OH and she survives. He worked at Kelsey Hayes/TRW until they closed and then went to Crown Battery until he retired.
Bill was an avid Buckeye and Little Giant fan and was a past president of the Ross Booster Club. He enjoyed baseball and coached for many years and played in his younger years. Bill also liked to go to the Fremont Speedway and working in his yard. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Bill was known to talk in great lengths to his family and friends. Bill’s true passion in life was to spend time with his grandson, Collin and loved his English Bulldog, Chester.
Bill is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Debbie Rakes, Fremont and was her caregiver for many years; sons, Gary Rakes, Sandusky, Tim (Brianne) Rakes and Todd (Melynda) Rakes both of Fremont; grandson, Collin Rakes; siblings, Bonnie Hickman, Oak Harbor, Barbara (James Pautler) Rakes, Seattle, WA and Robert (Susan) Rakes, Port Clinton and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Timothy Lee Rakes; grandmother, Virginia Rakes; father and mother-in-law, Gary and Jerrie Albert.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Valleyview Healthcare, Elmwood Communities, UTMC and Dr. John Yuhas.
It was Bills’ wish to have no services and have his ashes scattered over Big Walker Mountain in Bland, VA.
Memorials can be made to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America www.aafa.org
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Jason Case
My condolences to Rakes family, I know Todd, Tim, and Gary but also had the pleasure of working with Bill. He was a great man and we talked a lot. Prayers for the family.
karen gerwin
sorry for your loss prayers are with all the faniiy
Larry Whatley
To the Rakes family,
My heart is saddened by the passing of Bill.
He was a great classmate and a good friend. What good times we had in high school!
To the family, may the Lord give you His peace and comfort now and in the days to come.
Larry and Doris Whatley
Lynn Matthews
My deepest sympathy to Deb and her family.
Lorna McKinstry
Prayers and condolences to your family from the McKinstrys.
Bob & Roxanne Griffith-Wolfe
So very sorry Debbie and family for your loss. May God give you strength, peace, and comfort during this difficult time.
Linda Roberts
Barb and family, condolences for the loss of Bill. God Rest his soul.
Jenny Wilhelm
My father Paul Wilhelm who recently passed away worked with Bill at Kelsey Hayes. So sorry for your loss.
Janet (Snyder) Yaros
So sorry for your loss. Sending our thoughts and prayers for all of you. My mom, Phyllis, was Debbie’s cousin. Mom passed in 2001. I chatted with Bill at many reunions.
Tom Stucky
I am sorry for your loss. I pray that you may know God’s comfort and peace as you go through the grieving process.
The Martin's
Sorry for the loss of your father and husband. Greatful for all the memories we shared on Garrison St. We will be praying for comfort and peace.
Jeannette Fritzi DuBose Redlin
So very sorry for your loss. Every time I saw Bill at a class reunion he was smiling, laughing and having such a good time. He will be truly missed. RIP Bill.
Your class mate, Jeannette “Fritzi DuBose” Redlin
Bill & Sally Herr
Dear Debbie and family, Bill and I are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We have fond memories of you both. May God bless you all at this time.
Bryan Carnicom
My deepest condolences to the Rakes family. I grew up as neighbors with the family and recently worked with Bill. I am so saddened to hear of this. RIP.
Sue Ward
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Hugs and prayers to his Wife Debbie and family.
Anne Arnold
I am so very sorry for your loss. Working with Bill at Kelsey Hayes was always such a job. Thinking of you all during this difficult loss. Sending prayers.
Sharmen Kledzik
So sorry Debbie and all the family for your loss Bill was a great guy and will be missed
Lorrie C Miller
Brianne so sorry for your loss prayers are with all the family
love Lorrie -and-
2022 BHCS Auction Committee
Jeff Wise
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a true friend and a special guy to me and I know to many others. I enjoyed the times we talked during this stretch of Covid time and the other times we talked. He and I enjoyed sharing stories of our youth together. May you feel God’s love during this difficult time. I will always cherish my friendship with Bill.
Mary and Gary Franks
We are so sorry to hear about Bill. I worked with him for 27 years at Kelsey Hayes/TRW. He was a wonderful friend. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to your family.
Cheryl Ward
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. We love you all and are here if you need anything. We are keeping you in our thoughts and Prayers. Love to all. Mike, Jackie, Cheryl, Angie, Marty and our families.
Mark Bartson
Sorry for your loss Debbie and family. I remember dad and Bill always talked at the reunions. Thoughts and prayers sent.
Pat Kingsborough
My sympathies to you all. Your memories will keep him near you always.
John & Joey Kokai
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of Bill’s family,
MarJean Karr
Rob,Bonnie and family, Ron and I send our love and condolences for you. May God give you peace and strength to help you navigate through this time of grief.
Love, Ron, MarJean, Justin, Dana, Jordan.
Sharon Haas Chatwood
So sorry for your loss. Bill was always the one who made you smile. My prayers are with your whole family.
Jim Smercina
My sympathies to Billy’s family. I worked with Bill for several years and will always remember how open and hard-working a guy he was. He was always there to help someone through an issue. I also remember how much he would talk about his family, and how proud he was of his sons.
Billy was a great guy and I’m sure he will be missed.
Dawn (Zerman) McCullough
I am so sorry to hear this news. My deepest sympathy to the entire Rakes family.
Tina
I am sorry Debbie Gary Todd Tim for your lost but I’m here if you need anything. Love all of you
Michael Wolf
What a shock this was! I remember working with Bill at Crown Battery until I retired. Bill was always a competent and professional QC inspector, and I enjoyed working with him..
My heart and condolences go out to his family, especially to Todd and Melynda,who I had recently gotten to know. Mathis soul rest in peace.
Denny Bork
Debby and the Rakes gamy…sorry to hear of Bills passing. I’d only met him a few times but knowing you and your son Tim I’m certain he was a fine person. I pray for you and your family to find comfort together with your memories. I always find comfort in Jesus words in John 5:28 & 29 when I’ve lost a loved one
Peggy Billings
I am so sorry for your loss of Bill! It breaks my heart that he had to leave us here so soon , but thankful he did not suffer serious pain & lingering for long ! May your family find peace in knowing he is in a much better place than we are & no more cancer or bad health ! Until we all see him on the other side ❤️RIP BILL ! So thankful I was able to know you ( per your wonderful wife !)