Michael Lee Rae

Michael "Mike" L. Rae, 83, of Bentonville, died Nov. 1, 2012. He was born on Dec. 16, 1928, in Ellettsville, Ind., to Frederick Baugh and Hazel Shrell Baugh. After the death of his mother in 1934, Mike was adopted by Hugh and Jennie Rae and he grew up in Staten Island, N.Y. He was a Korean War veteran and was proud to have served his country as a Marine. He attended Elon College in North Carolina and graduated from Indiana University. He resided in Indianapolis, Ind., where he was employed by Studio Press, Circle Engraving and Ayrway Stores. He moved to Akron, Ohio, and worked for Clarkins Stores and later owned UV Signs and Designs printing business after returning to Indianapolis. He began employment at The Wholesale Club, where he enjoyed traveling to assist in the opening of new Club locations. Upon the merger of The Wholesale Club with Walmart Stores, he moved to Bentonville and worked for Sam's Club and Walmart Printing and Mailing Distribution Center. While in Indianapolis, Mike was a founding and longtime member of Church of the Master, American Baptist Convention in Indianapolis. At the time of his death, he was a member of Bella Vista Community Church. He found joy as a volunteer working with children with developmental disabilities and as a camp counselor for several years in Indiana. After his move to Arkansas, he became involved with Habitat for Humanity and helped to build seven homes in Centerton and Bentonville. His most cherished friendships developed through this organization of outstanding individuals. In 1981, he married his soul-mate, Carol J. Yoerns, and they would have celebrated their 31st anniversary this month. He was very devoted to his family, especially his children. After 46 years of separation from his biological siblings, Mike was blessed to be reunited with them through the determination and perseverance of his sister, Shirley, which had a profound and lasting effect on his life. Mike was an avid Indiana University basketball fan, enjoyed working in his yard, was a train enthusiast, and took pleasure in building airplane models. He loved the military and amassed a collection of armed-services gear. He was also a jack-of-all-trades with a passion to fix "things." He was preceded in death by his biological and adoptive parents; brothers, Charles Frederick, Julian, Dennis, Henry Eugene (Jene), Jim, and Douglas Rae, and sister, Marie Wood. Survivors include his wife, Carol, son, Steven Rae (Donna), daughter, Katherine Rae (Rick Coffman), sister, Shirley Loftin, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, at Bella Vista Community Church with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to Bella Vista Community Church. Cremation arrangements are by Callison-Lough Funeral Home of Bentonville. Online condolences may be made at www.callisonlough.com.