Robert Emery Rakes

Robert “Emery” Rakes, 97, passed away quietly in his sleep December 24, 2015 at his home in Tualatin, Oregon. Born March 8, 1918 in Minneola, Kansas to John and Ocie Rakes, he was a Pilot and Flight Examiner and resident of the Portland area since the mid 60’s. Emery went to high school, college, and later flight training in Kansas. As a Captain in the Air Force, Emery was responsible for training pilots in WWII out of Curtis Field, Texas. Emery met his wife of 63 years, Betty Lou Chinn, also of Wichita, Kansas. They had two sons: Robert Jr. and Randall Craig Rakes. Later he went on to fly for Pan American Airways based out of Brownsville, Texas. After flying for the airlines, Emery went to work for Cessna Aircraft in Wichita and was the Chief Pilot for Dwayne Wallace, Chairman of the company. Emery recalled many fond memories flying for various celebrities including Ann Landers and Sky King. He even taught Dwayne’s wife, Velma Wallace, to fly. In the mid 60’s, Emery received an invitation to come out west and fly for his brother-in-law and become Chief Pilot for Compass Industries. Emery’s passion for flying led him to other opportunities to become Chief Pilot & Flight examiner for AAR Western Skyways based at Troutdale Airport. In 1975, the Portland FAA office awarded Emery the coveted Flight Instructor of the Year. Emery was very well known in aviation circles and was a friend and mentor to many thousands of general aviation, corporate, and airline pilots. Emery and his wife Betty were very active in the Rockwood and Sunnyside Seventh Day Adventist Churches and loved to sing in the choir. Emery later led the music and choir at Cherry Wood Village Chapel. HE is preceded by first son Robert Jr. who passed in 1969 and wife Betty who passed away in 2005. His surviving son, Randall, lives in Portland, Oregon. A celebration of life and memorial is planned for February 8, 2016 at 10am at the CherryWood Retirement Center Chapel located at 1417 SE 107th Ave Portland. Funeral memorials and donations may be made to Legacy Hospice of Portland.