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JOSEPH RAYNES Obituary

Joseph Lincoln Raynes 1946 ~ 2011 Joseph Lincoln Raynes PhD, age 64, passed away peacefully January 10, 2011, surrounded by his eternal family, after a battle with brain cancer. He was born June 21, 1946, in Provo, Utah, to Beth Milner and Lincoln Francis Raynes; he was the second of eight children. Much of his childhood was spent on the Oregon Coast. While at BYU, Joe met his beautiful wife, Alice Nielsen, in a laundromat and it was love at first sight. Their first conversation began with his joke about both having red hair. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 27, 1969. They have ten children, all redheaded. It was impossible to be around Joe and not know he loved his family, the Gospel, and serving others. Joseph completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees at BYU and earned his PhD at Texas A&M University. He served and inspired others throughout his lifelong career in education. He was an elementary school teacher, Principal at Joaquin Elementary, Dean of Continuing Education, Dean of Trades and Technology, and Associate Academic Vice President at Utah Valley State College. He was instrumental in bringing the Education Program to the now Utah Valley University. He loved being a Professor of Education. His influence is carried through the countless teachers he molded. Traveling the world extensively, Joe was always in search of opportunities to serve others. Fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish, he lived in Bolivia and traveled throughout South America with his young family while working with the Bolivian government. He lived in Colonia Juárez, México working with the Juárez Stake Academy, and traveled to Mongolia to develop higher education programs during their transition from Communism. He was a gifted storyteller who weaved his life experiences into tales that both entertained and edified. He was a dedicated servant of the Lord, and served an honorable LDS mission in the Brazil North Mission. He labored as Branch President at the MTC, Bishop of Cascade 2nd Ward, High Council Member in Orem Cascade Stake, Ordinance Worker in the Mount Timpanogos Temple, and a member of the Curriculum Resource Committee. A gifted teacher of life and salvation, he lived to bring action to the Gospel's precepts. He was always willfully obedient to the Lord's commandments, firm in following the Prophet. Joe was a builder of homes, ideas, and lives. A gentle giant, who was steadfast, thoughtful, humble, and strong; he spent his life in quiet service. His greatness was shown by his Christ-like love, the warmth of his smile, the power of his patience, the richness of his intelligence, his ability and desire to teach even the hardest of hearts, his comedic timing, and his gift to uplift others through his faith, stories, and unconditional love. His love of the Savior showed in everything he did. He is survived by his loving wife Alice Nielsen Raynes, their ten children: Janelle (Nathan) Gerber, Michelle, Denise (Paul) Pitcher, Alison (Marshall) Smith, Melanee, Stefanie (Nate) Farnsworth, Jonathan (Daniela), Danielle (Bryan) Kennedy, Derrick (Alexa), David (Sydney), and 17 wonderful grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, Lincoln Raynes, stepmother Barbara, and sisters: Marybeth Raynes, Rebecca (Charlie) Chenoweth, Rosemarie (Grant) Garner, Pearl (Brent) Hart and Libby (Phil) McShinsky, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beth Milner Raynes, infant brother, Ronald Lee, and younger sister, Sandra Dawn. Public viewings will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011, at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home (646 E 800 N, Orem) from 6-8:00 p.m.; and on Saturday, January 15, at the Orem Utah Cascade Stake Center (481 E Center St, Orem) from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 15, at the Orem Utah Cascade Stake Center (481 E Center St, Orem) starting at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery (1520 N 800 E) directly following the service. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.walkerfamilymortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News on Jan. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH RAYNES

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clyn young

January 7, 2024

Elder Raynes was a valued friend and missionary. I was impressed with his pure spirit and testimony. Clyn Young,

Mark Steinagel

February 11, 2011

Bishop Raynes was my dear bishop from when I was 13 until I left on my mission. My mother was a widow and Bishop Raynes ensured he was available as a father figure to me when I needed it. I spent many hours in interviews at his home, work, and at the chapel. He always made himself available to me. The funeral service was magnificent! I pray the spirit will minister to sister Raynes in the same way Bishop Raynes carefully ministered to me when I needed it.

Clyn Young

January 17, 2011

I was with Elder Raynes in the Language Training Mission. There were 8 Elders in the Villa Maria group. Two have passed on now with Joseph and his companion from the LTM, Jeff Rex. Heavenly Father took the best back to Him. Joe was an inspiration of quiet, faithful, servitude and it was a privelige to know him. I was too ill to attend the services. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Willes and Karen Thorne

January 16, 2011

We got to know Brother Raynes working on the Stake Preparedness Committee. What a dear man, a great leader, and a kindly gentleman. The spirit in his home was a testimony to his diligence as a priesthood holder and a father. He will be missed by so many. We will pray that his family will be blessed with many tender mercies. Our Love, The Thornes

Keith Ritchie

January 14, 2011

It was my privilege to serve with Joseph Raynes on the Church Curriculum Resource Committee. He blessed my life with his intelligence, wit, experiences, faith, commitment, love for the gospel and sensitivities to others. I will always be grateful for his great example. Keith Ritchie

Natasha Schaeler

January 13, 2011

Such fond memories of the Raynes Family...including your parents and siblings! What an amazing, eternal family! May His comfort and peace be with you at this difficult time. Natasha Wayman Schaeler

Leslie Pratt

January 13, 2011

May we express our deepest sympathy and love to Alice and your entire family. What a wonderful legacy you and Joe have created here on earth and will carry on throughout eternity. We are thinking of you. Steve and Leslie Munk Pratt

DeLene Mortensen

January 13, 2011

Prayers of comfort and strength to help you get through this rough time. He is now with our loving Heavenly Parents plus all of his loved ones whom have gone on before. He will always be a great example. Love to all.

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