John Rains

John Broadus Rains, better known as “Jack” to most, celebrated his 93rd birthday Saturday, February 11, 2023, by going to his eternal home. Born February 11, 1930, in Washington, Oklahoma, Jack was the proud son of Joe Manning and Jennie (Roberts) Rains. Raised in and around the Washington area most of his childhood years, he attended Washington public schools. Jack was born during the dust bowl and his family survived the great depression. He lost his father in 1934 at the young age of four. WWII started and Jack’s twin brothers both went off to war. Jack was left with taking care of the family farm at just nine years old. With 11 people in a 1927 pickup, Jennie Rains moved west to California with her two young sons, Jack and Billy, to find work. The family ended up in Bakersfield, CA, working the orange orchards and the potato fields. When the war ended, the family returned to Washington, Oklahoma. Jack completed the 10th grade at Washington and then dropped out to go to work. In 1951 Jack joined the Air Force. He was in the 727th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron stationed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during the Korean War era. Despite not mentioning his service often, he was very proud of his time serving his country. After he returned home, Jack attended Oklahoma City University and received his associates degree in industrial arts. Jack met Dorothy Overturf through a blind date set up by Jack’s sister, Dorothy Rollins. Mrs. Overturf was upset with Jack because he brought Dorothy home late from the date and had to have a talk with him about it. However, that didn’t stop Jack from marrying his dream girl. Jack and Dorothy were married on May 9th, 1958, at the Marshall Church of Christ in Midwest City, Oklahoma. From that point on in his life, it was about family. Together, he and Dorothy raised four daughters and two sons. Jack had a great work ethic and worked for the Dolese Concrete Company for thirty-two years before retiring. Dorothy wasn’t really fond of Jack’s retirement so he returned to work for the Triple A Pallet company where he hauled semi loads of pallets. Later, he drove the transit bus for the Dale Rogers Training Center. As a faithful member of the Del City Church of Christ, he assisted with their Meals on Wheels program and a number of other church activities. He had a passion for collecting and playing any type of stringed instruments, especially strumming a guitar or playing a fiddle. Jack's love for music was shared with all his family and friends as you would often find him entertaining others at a family event or at an outing at the local senior center. He never missed out on a “jam night”, if possible. When not playing music, you could find him and Dorothy preparing the garden for spring & fall planting seasons. He also loved making the city garage sales and taking simple day trip drives.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents, Joe and Jennie Rains; three brothers, James “Slim” Rains, Allen “Fat” Rains and Billy Rains; two sisters, Mary Gann and Dorothy Rollins.
Survivors include his four daughters: Shirley Welborn and husband, Greg, Sandra Rains, Susan Thompson and husband, Terry, Sonya Kluver and husband, Quentin; two sons: Steven Rains, Scott Rains and wife, Mikey; grandchildren: Taylor and Olivia Welborn, Abby Perry and husband, Daniel, Rusty and Curtis Brakebill, Kristen Moore and husband, JR, J.T. Thompson and wife, Nicole, Jennifer Stursa, Jeff Stursa and wife, Sage, Poppy Rains, Dustin Morgan, Emily Ross, Abigail Lynch; eight great-grandchildren: Paizley Brakebill, Michelle Moore, Jayde Moore, Samuel Thompson, Jack Stursa, Sonny Stursa, Leonie Maytubby & Adam Morgan; numerous nieces, nephews, others family members and a host of friends.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Del City Church of Christ family fellowship hall at 2:00pm. Please bring your instrument and your singing voice for a music jam in the honor of Jack.
Military honors will be rendered during this time to honor Jack’s service.