Dennis Wilson Raines

Dennis Wilson Raines, 72, of Abilene, died Friday, July 8, 2016 at his residence. Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, with Rev. Clyde Kieschnick officiating. Burial will be in the Santa Anna Cemetery in Santa Anna. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Dennis Wilson Raines was born June 10, 1944 in Vernon to Willie Cleo Raines and Ella Leona Burke Raines. He grew up in Vernon and attended school there. After meeting Bernidine Culpepper Watson, Dennis wanted to marry her on the longest day of the year. So they traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada and were married on June 21, 2000. Dennis worked as a lineman for the Santa Rosa Telephone Co-Op in Vernon and retired 39 A½ years later as general manager. He was on numerous telecommunication boards and traveled to Washington, D.C. on several occasions regarding communications in rural areas. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Abilene.

Survivors include his wife, Bernidine Raines of Abilene; six children, Gayla Raines DeHoyos and husband, Tony, of Vernon, Kristi Raines Box and husband, Tony Don, of Garland, Abby Gayle Raines of Coppell, Jodi Watson of Santo, Sandi Murray and husband, Rob, of Santa Anna, William Shane Watson and wife, Romelia, of Las Vegas, Nevada; one brother, Mitchell Raines and wife, Tammy, of Harrold; 13 grandchildren, Seth and Meagan Raines of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Sara Raines of Vernon, Brady Johnston of Garland, Daniel and Rebecca DeHoyos of Salt Lake City, Utah, Stormie Marie Box of Lavon, Cristian Box of Garland and Marlaina, Sabrina, Tony, Logan, Ethan, Romey, Ayden and seven great grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Colton Baron Box.

Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Stevens Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made in memory of Dennis to Zion Lutheran Church, 2801 Antilley Road, Abilene, Texas 79606 or St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4405 Hospital Drive, Vernon, Texas 76384.

Condolences for the family may left online at www.livingmemorials.com.