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Evelyn McKee Raines

May 18, 1921 - September 21, 2021

Evelyn McKee Raines passed away September 21, 2021 at her home, 4 months past her 100th birthday. Born in Castalian Springs, TN the daughter of the late Marcus L. and Hattie Bobo McKee, she graduated from David Lipscomb College with a degree in teaching and in 1942 married W. Clarence Raines. Together they built a family, a business, and a commitment to their community. She co-owned Raines Shoe Hospital with Clarence. It was far more than a cobbler’s shop. It was the modern equivalent of a country store, where people met, ideas were exchanged, news was shared, joys celebrated, sorrows supported and encouragement offered, with Evelyn Raines as everyone’s house-mother. She spent 60 years of her life making everyone feel welcome, retiring when she was 82.
Her life was one of infectious enthusiasm and devotion. She was devoted to the Lord, her family, and to the Owensboro Church of Christ and her church family. Mrs. Raines’ enthusiasm for the Kentucky Wesleyan College All American Club was legendary. A charter member of the club, she followed the Panthers throughout the United States, including Hawaii. She ran the Hospitality Room for Wesleyan home games and volunteered at the Steele Stadium concession stand, wrapping hot dogs and hamburgers until she was 97. Her unwavering support resulted in her induction into the Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Raines served the Girl Scouts for many years, as a troop leader and a volunteer during the construction of the Pennyroyal Girl Scout Camp. For several years, she served as an officer of the Longfellow Elementary School PTA. The many friends with whom she dined, played cards and other games over a period of many years were a vital part of her life.
There was an open-door policy at the Raines home, where she enjoyed cooking and entertaining. More than one KWC athlete shared a meal at her table, with the warmth of a home away from home. Thanksgiving was a special favorite, as her extended family of more than 45 people spent the day with her in Owensboro, culminating with a father-son football game at the KWC soccer field. She was preceded in death by her husband, W. Clarence Raines in 1996 and her son, Don Marcus Raines in 2016.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughters Deloris Raines and Robbie Raines Remole and her husband Ronnie, all of Owensboro; her daughter-in-law Melanie Thompson Raines; her grandchildren Leigh Knight Erickson of Clearwater, Florida, Sally Knight Ward and her husband Al, Carlie Remole Brown and her husband Ramey, Raina Remole Fauste and her fiancé J.D. Faith, Andrew Marcus Raines and his wife Shannon, Emilie Raides Haysley, and Christina Raines, all of Owensboro; her great-grandchildren Rachel Rahill and her fiancé Blake Rodgers of Murfreesboro, TN, and Zoe Barker, Garrison Barker, Bailey Brown, Raylen Brown, Remi Fauste, Mallory Raines, Natalie Raines, Audrey Raines, Madelyn Haysley, and Caroline Whitaker, all of Owensboro.
The funeral service for Evelyn Raines will be 2:00 pm Thursday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, where visitation will be from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm Thursday. Burial will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletic Department or the Owensboro Church of Christ. Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family of Evelyn McKee Raines at www.glenncares.com