Wilbur Duane Rake

Wilbur Duane Rake, 95, was born June 14th, 1920, the son Harry DeValentine and Bertha Ester Wulfkuhle Rake. Wilbur passed away September 29^th, 2015 at 9:00pm.

Wilbur attended elementary school at Woodlawn. He attended Central Junior High Complex at 9th and Kentucky and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1938. He attended Lawrence Business College from 1938-1939.

Wilbur worked for Independent Laundry from 1939-1941. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force December 15th, 1941 and served 4 years. He was sent to Wichita Falls, Texas, where he was assigned to a unit, and reported for active duty January 1942 at Bangor, Maine. His unit opened the Air Force Base at Doves, Delaware. He was then based at Galveston, Texas. He served in Guam from January 19th, 1945 until December 29th, 1945, when he was honorably discharged as Master Sergeant of Supplies.

Wilbur attended the University of Kansas for a year. He was offered a sales position with H.J. Heinz Co. He accepted the position and worked there several years. He resigned and accepted a temporary substitute clerk position with the Lawrence United States postal service April 1, 1949. He retired from there December 31st, 1972 as Superintendent of mails. He worked for the University of Kansas as Building and Grounds several years. He later accepted another position at the University of Kansas Office Supply Store Manager of the Purchasing Department on March 17th, 1975. He retired from there September 30th, 1982.

Wilbur married Dorothy Pearl Farrier September 7th, 1947. She preceded him in death June 17th, 1996. A son Donald Duane Rake also preceded him in death September 18th, 1999. Survivors include a son Ronald Dean Rake. Grandchildren Kelly Jo Rake Meier, husband Ryan Meier, Rachel Elizabeth Rake Springer, husband Carl Springer, and John Michael Rake. Great Grandchildren include Bella, Jax, Hayleigh, Ryan, Landon, Cora, and Braydon. His companion Pearl L. Schneider.

Wilbur was a lifetime member of American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post #14, a lifetime member of Alford-Clarke Post #852 Veteran of Foreign War, member of Douglas County AARP chapter #16, member of NARFE #0378, Retired Eagle Activity Club, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #309. He served as REAC State Chairman from 2004-2005. He started the Traveling Eagle during his presidency in 2001 at the annual REAC Get-Together.

Wilbur’s hobbies included wood working, watching Kansas Jayhawks Basketball, fishing, and he loved going camping with his family. He was always happy and smiling. He never knew a stranger. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be sadly missed by his family, relatives, and many friends of all ages.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2015 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Military graveside will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at the mortuary.

Contributions can be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association and may be sent in care of the mortuary.