Denzil Franklin Raines, 82, of Springfield, Mo, passed away Thursday morning May 18, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo, Surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 7, 1941, in Stover, Mo, the son of Frankie and Mary Raines. Denzil was a member of the Water Mill Church of Christ.

He moved to Springfield with his family in 1963 and worked for Kurt Neglar at Fellows Lake, He then worked at Hutchinson Foundry for 3 years, after leaving there he worked for Foremost Dairy, Safe T Flare and then Associated Grocers where he retired after 30 years.  He acquired the nickname of “Lightening” as he did everything at his own slow pace.

Denzil’s favorite hobbies included fishing and deer hunting with his brother-in-law LeRoy, he also loaded his own ammo.  When Denzil moved to Springfield his love of the outdoors led him to a new interest in watching and feeding the squirrels. He also enjoyed getting in trouble with his good friend of many years, Don Lurvey.

He is preceded in death by his parents Frankie (Henry) and Mary Raines, and one brother, Larry Don Raines.

Denzil is survived by his wife of 61 years Ruth of Springfield, Children; Rhonda (Bill) of Hayward, WI, Tonya (Jeff) Balisle of Springfield, Robert Raines of Springfield, Grandchildren Miranda, Chris, Dustin, Shawn, Great Grandchildren, Jessica, Brody, Blaine, Grayson, Kendra, Alexandria and Chase; Sister-in-law Fonda Raines, nieces; Kim (Bruce) Ginger (Alan) Becky (Brent) Brother-in-law and sister-in-law LeRoy and Barb Rapp, and many family and friends.

Denzil loved being a Grandpa to his 4 grandchildren and being a Great PaPa to his 7 great grandchildren.  He will be Greatly missed by his family.

Visitation for Denzil will be 10:00 -11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North with Services following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at a later date at Danforth Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to

Fair Haven Children’s Home

3132 N. Fair Haven Loop

Strafford, Mo. 65757