With heavy, heavy hearts, we announce that our Husband, Son, Brother, Father, Grandfather (Papa), Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Nephew, and friend, Donald George Raines Jr., gained his heavenly wings on early morning July 20, 2022, due to complications from open-heart surgery.
Don was born in Montana to Donald George Raines Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty) Lavelle Raines on June 22, 1960. Shortly after, they moved to California where Don grew up and accumulated many friends. He married Terry Dahl in 1979, later divorced, together they had two sons. Don joined the Army in 1980 and became 82nd Airborne, because of the adrenaline junky he is he loved jumping out of planes and blowing things up. Don was medically retired in 1990 from the military. His military career was one of his greatest accomplishments that he was very proud of.
Don later met Teresa Lynn Raines (Teri) in March 1994, they were married in July of that same year. Later they were sealed in the LDS Temple on April 17, 1999. With this union they brought together six children and later brought in two more. Don’s passions in life included family first, always, guitar, fishing, camping, family barbeques, smoking meats, Star Trek, Sci-Fi, LOUD music, making memories for Grandkids, and a good meal. His favorite snack was a big bowl of peanut butter with Karo syrup plus too many more to mention.
Don had a very infectious, genuine, and healthy laugh that made him the perfect Santa aka, ‘Santa Don’. He was also a big jokester, teaching kids the song, “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Slap Your Face”, or that they have 11 fingers and not 10. There are so many things that we could share about Don, he was an amazing person.
Don is survived by his loving wife aka ‘Smokin Hot Babe’, his mother, Betty, children; Nate (Stefani), Kesha (Paul), Shawn (Naomi), Donny (Jen), Matt (Tia), Hollie (Mike), Hunter, Allie, 22 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his siblings; Paul, Amber (Rob), Andrea, Vallerie (Ron), April (Warren), Lisa (Ben), and many extended family members who loved him very much. Preceded in death by his Dad, Donald George Raines Sr., Step-Dad Ray Peck, Grandma and Grandpa Cole, Grandma and Grandpa Raines, his Aunt Betty Tingle, best friend and Brother-in-law Tony Love, Sister-in-law Earlene Raines, Niece Kelly, Nephew Michael Haroldsen, Mother-in-law Alice Caldwell, and many other family members who were there to greet him.
We as a family want to thank the staff at St. Mark’s Hospital for all of their hard work, love, and care they provided.
Services will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), where friends and family may visit Friday evening, July 29th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Please consider donating to funeral expenses in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made to GoFundMe or Venmo @Teresa-Raines-8 or CashApp $HollieOckler
To view the recorded services please select the following link:https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/w-dAOG9609dlIroXNTO8KfvpkGLye7zffHfpOXs35h19TMEXiRvN7qdpoF47nF61.5ppafGPDOSX7WSGO
So sorry for the families loss. Don was a good man who will be missed by many.
I remember uncle Don fondly from my childhood. I used to go to the mountains and stay with him, my aunt and my cousins for weeks at a time. He tried to expose me to scary movies. Didn’t work!!!! I’m so sad to hear of his passing but I find Grace in knowing he is in heaven smiling down on his loved ones
A generous and big heart. We earned our Eagle Scouts together. Don will be missed!
I am extremely saddened at this time for my son's Donny and Matt and their wives and my Grandchildren. The loss of their father has been a difficult time and I pray that their hearts will heal and that they will be able to hold on to the good memories.
What a shock to see this. I have fond memories of Don growing up in Alta Loma. I have enjoyed our friendship over the years.
Don, I will miss you!
Love to the family and those who knew him.
Teri and family,
My heart breaks for you .
Prayers for you and your family at this sad time .
Please reach out if there is anything we can do for you .
Love you ,
LaMoreaux family
Dear Don:
It has taken some time for me to process your unexpected departure. Though we kept in touch through the years, I shall always hold ear our childhood memories as teens growing up in Ranch Cucamonga.
You will always remain dear to me. You touched so many lives with your heartfelt humor and selfless kindness.
See you in Valhalla, my friend, until then fare well. My condolences to your family.
Soldier for Life, Dave (Rocha)