Elmo Rainey Obituary
Marshall “Elmo” Rainey, Jr, 87, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, at The Village at Olathe Memory Care in Olathe, Kansas, after many years of battling Alzheimer’s.
He was born October 25th, 1937, in Darlington, MO, to Marshall E. and Lulu I. (Stanton) Rainey. The family moved to Wichita, KS in 1941, and to Fall River, KS in 1943, finally settling in Berryton, KS in 1945.
Elmo graduated from Berryton High School in 1955 and went to work in the Freight Traffic department for A.T.S.F. Railroad in Topeka, KS. After 35 years of working for the railroad, he retired in 1990 as a Sr. Supervisor in the Accounting department. Throughout his younger years, Elmo was involved with the Berryton Kiwanis, President of the School Board for Berryton Elementary, and he had his own business plowing and mowing fields.
Elmo was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, until he moved to Bella Vista, AR in 1991, where he became a member of Bella Vista Community Church.
Elmo is survived by his wife of 14 years, Laura “Judy” B. Davis Rainey, Rogers, AR; his son Steven E. and daughter-in-law Lisa Rainey, Olathe, KS; his daughter, Sheralea M. and son-in-law Patrick Grimes also of Olathe, KS, and his brother Forrest L. and sister-in-law Carolyn Rainey of Overland Park, KS.
Grandchildren: Trish L. (Rainey) and husband Paul Johnson, great grandsons Garrett, Dalton and fiancé Kyla, Jeffrey and great- great grandson Colby. Megan L. (Rainey) Odegard, Olathe, KS, great grandsons Bryan, Jackson, Owen, and Wilson. Taylor M. (Grimes) and husband Desmen Williams, also of Olathe, KS, great grandson Azriel and great granddaughter Charleigh.
Along with many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.
Elmo is preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Lulu Rainey, Rex E Rainey (brother), Joyce E. Worthington (sister). Donna M. Pagel (Rainey) Velasquez, (mother of his children), and Carolee W. (Suder) Rainey.
A celebration of Elmo’s life will be held in late spring/early summer in Topeka, KS.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Alzheimer’s chapter. Donate
To share a memory of Elmo, or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
14275 Black Bob Rd., Olathe, KS 66062
People and places connected with Elmo
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Elmo Rainey
Make a Donation
in Elmo Rainey's name
How to support Elmo's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Elmo Rainey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
