Gordon "Dick" Rainforth

Funeral services for Gordon "Dick" Rainforth, age 79 of New Market, Iowa, who died Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center, Bedford, Iowa were held Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Russ Clark officiating.

Visitation with the family was held 5-7 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2008, at the funeral home. Burial with military rites by American Legion John F. Hardin Post 164, Bedford, Iowa was in the Washington Cemetery, Gravity, Iowa. A memorial will be established. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Gordon Richard Rainforth was born March 18, 1929 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was the youngest son of Roy Francis Rainforth and Harriet (Fleming) Rainforth. His mother died three days after his birth. His adoptive parents were Frank Dean Fleming and Bertha (Herring) Fleming. Dick grew up in the Gravity area and was a 1948 graduate of Gravity High School. Dick served in the United States Army 1952-1953 during the Korean Conflict.

On November 27, 1953, Dick was united in marriage to Shirley Brown at Lenox, Iowa. This union was blessed with four children, James Dean, Jon Douglas, Celinda Lee and Richard Ray. They raised their family in the New Market area where they farmed. Dick also worked at NSK Corporation in Clarinda from 1977-1989 when he retired.

Dick was a member of the New Market Church of Christ.

He was a past member of the Gravity and New Market American Legion. Dick was an outdoors person; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and also enjoyed all sports.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Shirley Rainforth of New Market, Iowa; sons, James Dean Rainforth and wife Susan of Anchorage, Alaska, Jon Douglas Rainforth and wife Marilyn of Baudette, Minnesota, Richard Ray Rainforth and wife Marie of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Celinda Lee Jeter of Solon, Iowa; grandchildren, Jamie Sue and husband Don, Rebecca LaRae, Joshua Jade and wife Misti, Jared James, Nicholas Aaron and wife Kelsi, Chelsea Nicole, Brenna Michelle, McKenzie Renea, Alexa Marie, Mattea Ann; great grandchildren, Madison Rose, Joshua Jakob, Cooper Wayne, Annabella, LaRae Carynn, Avari Jae, Caden Douglas; brother, Norman Dale Rainforth and wife Reah of Papillion, Nebraska; nieces and nephews and many friends.

Preceding Dick in death were his biological and adoptive parents; brothers, Harold Rainforth and wife Ardyce, Gerald Rainforth and wife Catherine; grandchildren, Nathan Adam and Cole Feazel.

Dick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He will be missed by his entire family and many friends

but the memories will remain in our hearts forever.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.