Harris L. Rakestraw, Jr.

Harris Rakestraw, Jr., 72, of Topeka, KS died Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the House at Midland Care.

He was born April 13, 1945 in Morganfield, Kentucky, the son of Virginia (McCall) and Harris L. Rakestraw, Sr.

Harris was a 1963 graduate of Silver Lake High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era working as a Communications Specialist working his way up to a Drill Sergeant.

Harris worked for 24 years for Santa Fe Railway Company as a Revenue Accounting Clerk until 1989. From 1989 to 1992 he owned and operated Maintenance Plus as an auto mechanic. In 1992 he went to work for the Kansas Highway Patrol as a Motor Carrier Inspector and retired in 2010 as a Supervisor in the Auto Theft Unit.

He enjoyed working in his yard, watching and feeding birds, boating, fishing, collecting and working on tractors, was an avid reader, and enjoyed sharing life stories with his friends. Harris was a member of American Legion Post #160 and the National Rifle Association.

Harris married “Rusty” Ethelene Constant on January 6, 1967. They shared 50 years together. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Scott Rakestraw (Jennifer Blocker) of Topeka, Kelly (Shawn) Damm of Carl Junction, Missouri, four brothers, Mathew Rakestraw of Topeka, Kenneth Rakestraw of Silver Lake, Jeffrey Rakestraw of Lawrence, and Seth Rakestraw of Silver Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Ira Lee Rakestraw.   Five grandchildren and one great grandson also survive.

Harris will lie in state on Saturday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Graveside services with military honors will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at Prairie Home Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to any Hunter Safety Program for Children or to the charity of the donor’s choice sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

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