Christopher Edwin Rake

Christopher Edwin "Chris" Rake, 41, passed away January 25, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, after a brief illness. Chris was born March 31, 1983, to Terry Mitchell Rake and Dorothy Jean (Hall) Rake in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Chris was raised in Bristow, Edmond, and Depew, Oklahoma. At 12 years old in Depew, Chris met his soulmate and future wife, Mandie Lynn (Holder) Rake. Chris and Mandie married February 19, 2011, and resided in Edmond with their children at the time of his passing.
In 2008, Chris enlisted in the Army National Guard. He proudly served in the 45th Infantry Brigade, Charlie Company BSB, rising to the rank of sergeant. Chris was part of the 45th's large deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, where he was stationed at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam. He returned from Afghanistan in 2012 and served another decade with the Guard before being honorably discharged. Chris kept in close contact with his soldier brothers and sisters and fondly recalled his time with his military family. His impact on the lives of his fellow soldiers was profound-he was highly respected, a trusted confidant, and someone who could provide support in every way, from psychological to practical. He was remembered as someone who saved lives through his compassion and leadership.
Chris was also a longtime employee of Dell Technologies, Inc. in Oklahoma City, where he worked as an IT engineer for 12 years. He was a wiz with technology, always the person who could troubleshoot anything, and his intelligence extended far beyond his field. Whether it was history, politics or a random fact, he always had insight to share.
Chris was beloved for his humor, knowledge and kindness. He was a lover of music, movies and video games, but his favorite pastime was spending time with his family. Chris had a gift for making others feel heard and valued. He was someone you could talk to about anything for hours. An avid MMA and UFC fan, he trained in martial arts himself and even competed locally as an amateur before joining the military. He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, holding a particular disdain for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders.
Chris was a beloved and devoted husband, father, brother, son, soldier and friend-a man of strength, conviction, wisdom and unwavering love. He was a true hero and protector, selflessly rushing to help both friends and strangers, disregarding any danger to himself. Heroism was intrinsic to who he was-whether in his military service, as a father, husband, brother or friend. While his bravery and strength touched countless lives, his devotion to his wife and children was paramount. His family was the center of his world, and his legacy lives on in the love he shared, the stories he told and the conversations that could last for hours.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Terry Rake, and grandparents R. Lee Rake, Iris June (Potts) Rake, Moody Edwin Hall, Dorothy Jane (Whitley) Hall, and Lena Rose (Morara) Morrison. Chris is survived by his wife, Mandie, and children: Malachai Mitchell, Salem Elizabeth, Jordan Gage, Gabriel Jude, Jillie Hope Jacklynn, and Benson Leo Leif. He is also survived by his parents, Will and Cookie Castor; siblings Lindsey Claire Lara (Eduardo), Kathryn Elizabeth "Katie" Rake (Eli), and Robert Mitchell "Bobby" Rake; grandmother Carol Castor; and honorary grandparents Dixie and Charles Calvin. Chris is also survived by his aunts Kathy Trevino, Judy Martin (Jerry), Joyce Cherry, Susan Burgan, Janie Bennett, Vicki Calvin-Koch (Kurt), and Gayla Borthick (Mike), his uncles Greg Rake (Tina) and Randy Rake, and many beloved cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 31, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Service, 610 N.W. 178th St., Edmond, Oklahoma. A service celebrating Chris's life will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the same location. The family would like to express their appreciation to Chris's military and Dell families, who visited him in his last days and comforted his family after his passing. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests support via Mealtrain: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/wm6qgw