Kenneth "Ken" Rakes

Kenneth “Ken” Rakes, 80 passed away on April 28, 2018, with his first love and his family by his side at Vista Springs in Concord. Ken was born on January 4, 1938, to Henry Edgar and Lessie Rakes in Tarpon, VA. He graduated from Martel High School and Marion Business College. He married his high school sweetheart while home on leave from the Air Force on September 12, 1955. After being Honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Korean War Veteran, Kenneth began his professional career working for various companies including Metropolitan Life and Sun Oil Company before becoming an entrepreneur with his own Sunoco station and later Ken Rakes and Son T.B.A. Distributor. He rounded out his professional career at Classic Chevrolet and the Lake County Prosecutors Office. Ken spent several terms as a Mentor City Councilman. Ken enjoyed the time and travels with the NEO Model A Antique car club. He also enjoyed beekeeping with his grandchildren. Ken was a big fan of bluegrass and country music. Ken’s family is eternally grateful to the staff at Vista Springs Quail Highlands who took wonderful care of him and for making his end of life peaceful. Ken is survived by his wife Norma of Burton, children Peggy (Doug) Morse of Concord, Barbara (David) Mullet of Burton, Michael of Perry, Patty (Mark) Varanese of Painesville, and Becky (Frank Kasulones) Rakes of Akron. Ken is survived by 7 grandchildren Ben (Sara) Morse, Brandon (Tracy) Morse, Amanda (Tony) DeCesare, Jacob (Mia) Mullet, Sara (David) Kindall, Dominic and Brianna Varanese and 6 great-grandchildren with another on the way and sisters Angeline Glathart and Phyllis (Michael) Nicolosi. He is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Lessie Rakes of Marion. A funeral service will be 12 pm Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. The family will receive friends from 10 am – 12 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Painesville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9775 Rockside Rd., Suite 270, Valley View, OH 44125. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Kenneth "Ken" Rakes

January 4, 1938 - April 28, 2018