James Raines

James Stephen "Steve" Raines was born Oct. 5, 1947, at home in Patton, Missouri, to Thornton and Caroline Raines. He passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

He was a 1965 graduate of Patton High School.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Vietnam War.

Steve and Sandy Cook were united in marriage July 29, 1972, at Sandy's parents' home. They lived at their home in rural Marble Hill, Missouri, until they moved to the family farm at Sedgewickville, Missouri. They built their home on the farm in 1989.

He had worked for Atlas Plastic before being drafted, and returned there after the war. He then went to work for Hanners Bros. Equipment, working there until 1973, when he went to work for Peters and Sons business. At Peters, he became a member of their family — FX, Martha, Bill and Greg were his friends and employers. He worked there until the concrete plant sold to Delta Co. Later, he went to work for Bollinger County CO-OP, staying there until the wind storm of 2009. The storm caused him to resign, due to it destroying some of his farm. So, he started to rebuild the farm, and that was his job until his passing.

He was a talented mechanic of farm machinery, concrete trucks and all things associated with a concrete plant. He loved working with his cows, counting them twice a day with Sandy. He enjoyed taking care of his beloved dog, Jeff, and his cats.

He will be remembered as a beloved father, husband, Poopey (a name given to him by his granddaughter), uncle and brother.

He is survived by his wife; his son, James Garrett Raines; and granddaughter, Erykah Raines and near grandson-in-law, Kolin Skinner. Also, his brother, Mike Raines; mother-in-law, Margie Cook; nieces and nephews, Lisa Tejero, Chris Barks, Noah Barks, Michael Joe Raines, Beth Raines, Heather Raines, Candy Wright, Mitch Tejero; and the Peters family.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Billy Cook; sister, Lucy (Cindy) Tejero; and brothers-in-law, Dr. Jonas Tejero and Scott Barks.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 5, at Ford and Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

Funeral will be at noon Thursday, Jan. 5, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ray Webb officiating. Burial will follow in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery.