Calvin Tipps Raines

Calvin "Cal" Tipps Raines, passed away Monday, November 28, 2011 at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas. He was born in Cleburne, Texas on June 21, 1925 to Willie Calvin and Mamie Kate Raines. He graduated from Athens High School and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in 1949 with a BBA in Business Administration. He served in World War II in the Normandy Invasion and was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, European-African Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After almost 60 years he was awarded the Bronze Star and also a Certificate of Appreciation from the French Government for helping to liberate France. He was retired from D& R Enterprises, known as Dryden's Department Store, where he was Co-Owner. He served his community on the PNGISD School Board, director of Mid-County Bank, Groves Chamber of Commerce, president of the Retail Merchant Association, National Retail Merchants Association, a member of United Methodist Temple, member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Port Neches VFW Post #4820. Cal was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Lovelace. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rosemary Raines; son, Mark Raines and wife, Molly and grandson, Garrett Maxwell Raines of Nederland; brother-in-law, Joe Lovelace and wife, Dot; niece, Catherine Sue Skelton and husband, Gary; great-niece, Cassie; and numerous cousins and friends. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the United Methodist Temple with Reverend Jesse Brannan officiating. Graveside Military Rites will be conducted by VFW Post #4820 at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday evening from 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Port Neches VFW Post #4820.