Howard L. Rake

Howard L. "Jim" Rake, 74, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at his home. He was born on December 24, 1935 in Douglas County, Kansas, the son of Carl and Dorothy (Lancaster) Rake.

Jim graduated from Highland Park High School in 1953. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Jim owned and operated Rake's Standard Oil, later known as Rake's and Oldham's Standard Oil for nine years. He later drove a semi and after 30 years of driving, retired with ABF Freight Company. On March 17, 1957 he married Ruth Woollard, they later divorced. He later married Launita M. Wendt on November 8, 2000 in Eureka Springs, AR. He was a member of Rossville Christian Church, Jayhawk Family Campers, and Teamsters 696.

Survivors include his wife Nita of the home, his children, Audrey L. (Mike) McKinley of Topeka; Eva C. (Ron) Gentry of Rossville; Alaina J. (Todd) Lambotte of Rossville; Renae (Paul) Jacobson of Wakarusa, KS; his step children; Sharon (Randy) Brown of Holts Summit, MO; John (Jennelle) Wendt of Grantville; Mark (Bobbi) Wendt of Auburn; his sister, Betty Lou (Calvin) Bigger of Topeka; his sister-in-law, Betty Jean Cooper of Topeka; his brother-in-law, Bob LoGuidice of Youngstown, OH; eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, six step grandchildren and one step great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Vernon and Bud Rake and two sisters, Dorothy Rake and Lola LoGuidice.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at the Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606.