Eldon Russell Raines

Eldon Russell Raines aged 100 years, from Temple, TX passed in the early morning hours of Friday, June 28, 2024, at Temple Morada Care Center.
He was born on the 15th day of June 1924 to parents Allie ( Grabeel) and Roy Raines in Portland, Oregon. He lived a full and devoted life to God above but also to his friends and family and this great nation we all live in.
Eldon grew up working in a family sawmill near the Santiam River in Oregon. He joined the US Navy at the outset of World War II and was inducted into a Naval Construction Battalion (CB), Or the "Seabees." He served in the Naval Reserve after the war and was later called back into active service in Vietnam. Eldon received many awards for his conduct and proficiency during well over 20 years in the service. He was very thoughtful of veterans' issues for the remainder of his life.
Eldon was made a widower three times in his life. Despite the pain of losing three wives, he never complained and always said that he was blessed to have been married to three wonderful women.
Eldon married Mildred Dickeson in Harlingen, TX in March 1987. He designed and created the setting for Mildred's wedding ring. He was a wonderful husband and stepfather. He often said that Mildred could get a gourmet meal on the table faster than anyone he knew. They enjoyed taking after-dinner walks together. Eldon took excellent care of her, especially after she was diagnosed with cancer. She died in August 1993.
Eldon's third wife was Thelma Louise Haley (Conelly) Raines of central Texas. Eldon and Thelma enjoyed RV camping and visiting with their many friends. After a few years of marriage, Thelma also developed cancer. After years of taking care of her, Eldon lost Thelma in January 2012.
Eldon never had children of his own, but treasured his step-children and step-grandchildren. Among them are Terri Myers of California and Ken Dickeson of Texas, Susan Hyles Shanna Rogers, Bronna Sanders, Daniel Bynum, and Joseph Bynum of Central Texas.
Services for Eldon will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10:00AM at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with Ben Mauldin Sr. officiating.
Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple, TX has been entrusted with the care of all arrangements.