Clarence William Rakes

Clarence William Rakes, 85, of Taylor, TX passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2015.

Clarence was born July 2, 1930 to James R. and Sofronia Rakes in Mena, Arkansas. He graduated high school in Bentonville, Arkansas. On September 16, 1950 Clarence married his high school sweetheart, Ruby Stiles Rakes. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 16, 2015.

He was a skilled building contractor and carpenter. He loved the mountains of New Mexico and spent many summer hours climbing the trails in his jeep. His hobbies included fishing, RVing, working on old tractors and many outdoor activities. Clarence was a wonderful Husband, Dad, PaPa and Great PaPa.

He is survived by his wife Ruby, daughter Arlene and her husband, Ron Ritchey, grandchildren Sarah and Brandon Franke, Abigail and Jason Massey, Lee and Juliann Ritchey, Joanna and Jon Armstrong, and Rachel and Jason Corley and 18 great grandchildren, brother Richard Rakes and sister Betty Rakes O'Grady and her husband George. Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, his son Larry Rakes and wife Marilyn, and brother Charles Rakes.

A Memorial Service will be 3:00 P.M., Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Providence Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church, 401 Binkley, Dumas, Texas 79029.