John Howard Raines, Sr., “Howard” to most, died early Saturday morning, March 8, 2008 at the Henry County Hospital in New Castle, Indiana.

Services will be held at the Macer-Hall Funeral Home, 600 S. Main St., with visitation on Tuesday and ceremonies on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 1:30 under the direction of the Reverend Charles Dugger of the Grande Avenue Baptist Church. Donations in Mr. Raines’ name can be made to Rev. Dugger’s church at 2910 Grand Ave., New Castle, IN 47362 or to the Muncie Mission, 520 S. High St., Muncie, IN 47303.

Mr. Raines was a well-known New Castle business and family man, managing stores here and elsewhere for the Marsh corporation. Early in his career he worked for the Kroger supermarket chain and owned and operated the Raines’ Market in Greensboro, Indiana for a period of time.

Mr. Raines was born in Wayne County, Kentucky, July 19, 1924 to Charlie and Mattie Raines. He moved to New Castle in 1940 to begin work with the Kroger company, rising to store manager two years later, at the age of eighteen. He began working for Marsh in 1955 and, except for a year in Greensboro, stayed with them until his retirement in 1989. In his career, he managed Marsh stores in New Castle, Muncie, and Anderson. He was a member of the Elks Lodge where, for a time, he was an avid bingo player.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Jean Raines, four children: John H. Raines, Jr., of Mason, Ohio; Stanley C. Raines and wife Kathy of Brownsville, Texas; Jeananne Alberding and husband Steve of Decatur, Indiana; and Jill Ellen Raines of Arlington, Texas. In addition, he has twelve grandchildren and three great-granddaughters.

Mr. Raines was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Charles Ray and Eugene, and his sisters, Oma Crabtree and Joyce Chew.

He will be missed by many who knew and admired him.