Obituary of Danny Max Rakes

Danny Max Rakes Of Robinette, WV Danny Max Rakes, 73, of Robinette, went home to be with the Lord on March 18, 2020, leaving from his earthly home while surrounded by loved ones. He was born on March 23, 1946, at Stowe, a son of the late Tom, Sr. and Susie (McGuire) Rakes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Tom Rakes, Jr. and Scotty Rakes, Sr.; and three sisters, Pat Step, Jean Hock, and Frances Frye. Max was a disabled UMWA coal miner and a devout Christian for over 30 years. He was a member of the Robinette Church of God where he served as the Assistant Sunday School Director and loved his church and church family dearly. Those left to cherish his memory include: his loving wife of 55 years, Merle Mosley Rakes; two sons, Richard Rakes and his wife Carolyn of Robinette and Kenneth Ray of SC; two daughters, Tammy Laws and her husband James of Madison and Dee Collins and her husband Larry of Winfield; 15 grandchildren, Stacy Wright, Tracey Rakes, Tequilla Ellis and her husband James, Steven Rakes, Ryan Henry, James Smith, Katosha Noe and her husband Chris, Kate, Jessica, Haley, Jamilyn, and Alexis Laws, Eric Collins and his wife Tiffany, Bobbi Le, and Dustin Collins; 19 great-grandchildren, Kelsey, NyTalya, Nykel, Donovan, Nevaeh, Jailee, Jimmy, Kolton, Karter, Rylynn, Kynslee, Lincoln, Kendrick, Raelyn, Silas, Kingston, Sawyer, Maddox, and Gavin; a special sister-in-law, Bev Rakes and her children Scotty, Jr. and Misty; a sister-in-law that he considered a sister, Lou “Nanny” Howell and her children, Michael Howell and his wife Nancy, Michelle Howell, and Larry Howell and his wife Michelle Marie all of whom he considered his children and their children who he felt were his grandchildren, Jatana, Makala, Kari, Katie, Kassandra, Amanda, Mikey Jo and their children who Max considered his great-grandchildren, Mathew, Aurora, Natalie, and Little Chris; very special friends, Charles “Buster” and Rayna Criswell and Becky Vernatter Schultz who was a true angel that cared for Max during his illness with a tremendous amount of love and respect as well as a host of other friends and family who he dearly loved. Max’s joyful laugh and love for his Lord, family, and Church will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were blessed to have known and loved him. Per Max's request, the best way to honor his life and carry on his legacy would be for his friends and family to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and to find a church and church family to love as he did his. Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the Robinette Church of God where gospel singing will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. Services to honor Max’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2020, at the Robinette Church of God at Robinette with Bishop Albert Cline, Jr. assisted by Rev. Michael Van Natter and Brother Robert Bevins officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill. Pallbearers will be family members. Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.