Paul Francis Rake

Paul Francis Rake of Parkersburg, WV, died at his home on Sunday, November 23, at the age of 84, with his family by his side. He was born in Belleville, WV, and later moved to Mineral Wells, WV. He was the son of the late John and Opal Rake of Mineral Wells, WV. He is survived by his sisters, Betty Shively and Esther Boyd of Parkersburg, and his brother Danny Rake of Mineral Wells, WV.

He was married to Marcella Jackson Rake in 1952, and is survived by four daughters, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His daughters are Brenda Cantwell of Mineral Wells, WV, Pam Reeder and Lora Rake of Parkersburg, and Melissa Calhourn of Orlando, FL. His grandchildren are Derrick Reeder, Justin Cantwell and Sheldon Byers of Parkersburg; Janean Cantwell of Orlando, FL; Shane Byers of Parkersburg, Nicole Guinn of Belpre, OH; Whitney Reeder of Parkersburg; and Brielle and Darby Calhoun of Orlando, FL. He left behind a beloved dog, Lucy.

As a young man, Paul worked on the coal boats on the Ohio River, then went on to serve as a technician at Stork’s Bakery in Parkersburg for 20 years. He then opened a carpentry business with his son-in-law John Cantwell and continued his work until he was 82. A large part of his work involved carpentry and managing contract jobs at the Parkersburg Country Club – a place he was dedicated to for 30 years. He was a well-known fixture at the Country Club, where he could be found wearing his bib overalls and doing everything from fixing the smallest things to remodeling entire rooms. At home, he was often found in his garage doing woodworking and crafting items for his family and friends.

Services are being held at Sunset Funeral Home, 1934 Dupont Road, Parkersburg, WV, at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 26th. The viewing is from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 25th.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.sunsetparkersburg.com.