Francis O. Rains

Francis O. Rains, 92, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, April 11, 2015. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 14th at Speaks Suburban Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Memory Garden, Independence, MO.
Francis was born September 25, 1922 in Dunnegan, MO as one of six children to Elmer Joseph and Cora Lee (Estes) Rains. He proudly served in the United States Army where he earned Bronze Stars for his participation in the Northern France, Arndennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns, during WWII. He married his beloved Elma Pearl (Tillery) on November 16, 1943. Together they raised four children. He farmed in Humansville, until he moved his family to Kansas City in 1953, where he worked as a carpenter for Local #1329 for over 55 years. They were members of the Skyline Baptist Church of Kansas City for over 45 years. He was a Deacon as well as a choir member. Francis also served as Chaplain of VFW Post 596. His family remembers him as joyous, friendly, hardworking, and loving. He will be missed by many.
Survivors include wife, Elma of the home; son, David Rains (Donna) of Pleasant Hill, MO; son, Danny Rains (Sharon) of Independence, MO; daughter, Sandra Cannon (Todd Grauberger) of Rockport, TX; son, Larry Rains of Liberty, MO; nine grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren; sisters, Nellie Hamby of Ellinwood, KS and Arlene Houston of Humansville, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Loren, Marvin, and Burl Rains. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)