Danny Bert Rakes

Danny Bert Rakes, 74, of Fayetteville, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. Bert was born March 14, 1938, in the Drake Community in Benton County, the son of Bill and Hazel Rakes. Bert was an electrical contractor and retired as director of building inspections for the City of Fayetteville. He graduated from Bentonville High School and the University of Arkansas. He was past Master of a Masonic lodge, past Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star, past Royal Patron of Amaranth, member of the York Rite Bodies, past president of Sequoyah Kiwanis, staff sergeant of the Arkansas National Guard and a member of First Christian Church, where he served on committees as a deacon and elder. He was also the director of Hart Cemetery and loved ballroom dancing. Bert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harrel and Don; sister, Carol; nephew, Johnny Rakes; niece, Deanna Rounds; and sister-in-law, Betty Rakes. He is survived by his wife Deanna Marie; one daughter, Dawn Marie Graber and husband Scott; one grandson, Jacob; sister-in-law, Jo Rakes; and brother-in-laws, Don, Roy and Dan Ward. Services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2012, at First Christian Church in Fayetteville with the Rev. Ryan Pfeiffer officiating. There will be a graveside service for family and friends 2 p.m. Monday at Hart Cemetery in Benton County with nephew Reid Fairchild officiating. Masonic services by Washington Masonic Lodge #1 will be at the church with Doug Dobbyn, Jimmy Williams and Rick Bailey conducting. Pallbearers will be nephew and nieces, Donna Kay Fairchild, Alan L. Rakes, Dennis L. Rakes, Sharon G. Witcofski, Gary Wayne Rakes, Kenny D. Rakes and Mona Kencannon. Honorary pallbearers will be Reid Fairchild, Kennita Rakes, Karen Rakes, Bill Witcofski, Sharon Rakes, Bill Kencannon, Mike Rounds, Marilyn Prestridge, Russ Prestridge, Gary Harral, Kenneth Reed, Jay Pense, John Ellebrecht, Bill Kennedy and Doyle Rakes. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1732 Moberly Lane, Suite B., Bentonville, AR 72712. Arrangements by Westfield Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.westfieldchapel.com.