Robert Allen Rakestraw

1945 ∼ 2019

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Al Rakestraw, 74, of Liberty, passed away July 18, 2019, at Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center in Liberty. He was born February 6, 1945, in Pasadena, TX to the late Bill Youngblood and Virginia Francis Powers.

In July 1963, Al joined the United States Navy where he proudly served his country during Vietnam on the USS Coral Sea until June 1967. After his discharge, he became a police officer in Baytown, TX, although he enjoyed law enforcement he could not support his family, so he sadly retired from law enforcement and took a job at Bayer Corporation as a safety superintendent, where he retired in 2001. Al was a very faithful servant to the Lord and his community. He was a very loving Husband, Father and Paw Paw. He loved his family and friends with all of his heart and helped out any way possible when needed. Al loved to garden, travel, take cruises with his beloved wife and family, and had a passion for leading music at Calvary Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and son, Benjamin Bythewood.

Those left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Brenda Rakestraw of Liberty; son, Rusty Rakestraw and wife Mary of Anahuac; daughters, Beverly Palumbo of Baytown, Natalyn Royer and husband Mitchell of Anahuac, and Dianna Rakestraw of Stafford, VA; daughter-in-law, Amy Bythewood of Woodville; brother, Keith Rakestraw and wife Paula of Liberty; 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of loving family and friends.

A memorial service of remembrance with Military Honors will be held Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Liberty with Reverend Rick Edwards officiating. A gathering of Mr. Rakestraw's family and friends will be Saturday, July 27, 2019 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. also at Calvary Baptist Church in Liberty.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Calvary Baptist Church Missionary Fund, 15 County Road 129, Liberty, TX 77575

Cremation services under the care of Faith & Family Funeral Services, Inc. 40847 Hwy 105 E, Batson, TX 77519. (936) 336-2222 or (936) 262-2100.

Condolences

Diane Scalise January 11, 2023

Robert Allen Rakestraw

Bobbi Partridge August 8, 2019

So sorry to hear this. Bro Al was a good man who always made us comfortable in church. He baptized my husband and my best friends husband. Very special moment. God bless you Brenda and family our prayers are with you all. Hugs, Clint & Bobbi Partridge

Louis Martin Iii July 28, 2019

I always liked Al. He was a constant. His personality was always the same whether things were good or bad. He was steady.

Vic Weltz July 27, 2019

So sad to hear about Al. He was a good friend and although we lost contact after we retired, we thought about he and Brenda frequently. I flew in to be at Buddy Irby's Memorial Service on the 18th and hoped to see him there. Joe Eddleman and I talked about the times we shared when I was at the Baytown Plant. I had to return home the next day but later learned on Saturday through Lou Martin that he had passed away while I was there. I called Joe to let him know. During my 2 years there I relied on his knowledge and guidance. He never let me down. Karen and I were so blessed to have he and Brenda as friends. In addition to the many times we got together to play Pinochle, Brenda taught Karen how to make the most delicious Gumbo. We still make it a lot to this day and the memories always come back when we do. Al was a great guy and Karen and I extend our deepest sympathy to Brenda and the family.

Diane Scalise July 27, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about Al. I have such great memories of working with him through the years at Mobay/Bayer. Unfortunately, I am not able to attend his service today, but know you all are in my prayers now and through the days ahead. I will miss him.

Brenda Dunaway Ogle July 25, 2019

So blessed to have known Bro. Al we were blessed by his talent to sing & lead the music at Calvary Baptist church. Now you are with Mrs. Jenny & Mrs Norma they will keep you straight if you are in their kitchen. So thankful our paths crossed we will miss you. Brenda we are a phone call away our sweet friend love you. Bobby & Brenda

Stephanie Mercer July 25, 2019

I can remember how kind generous caring and right there to help he was. He was a very Christian man. I can remember how caring and kind he and Brenda we're through my husband's illness. He's in heaven looking down watching

Brenda Rakestraw July 25, 2019

Married 39 years