Mark Allen Raines

Mark Allen Raines, 77, a lifelong resident of Sheridan passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, with his family at his side. He was born on August 11, 1945, to the late Jesse and Hannah (White) Raines in Lebanon, Indiana.

  Mark graduated from Sheridan High School, Class of 1963. He then attended IU at Kokomo for a year, before being drafted into the Army, and eventually serving a tour in Vietnam. Mark proudly and honorably served his country.

  Mark met the love of his life Leah (Ogle) Raines while they were in high school. They were married while he was on leave on March 24, 1966, in Sheridan. He and Leah drove Route 66 to California where he was stationed. After a short stay in California, Mark was given orders that he had 5 days to drive back across the country to report to his new base in North Carolina. Leah said they had a four-month honeymoon on the coast before he had to leave for his tour.

  When Mark returned home, he worked at Biddle’s Components for a short time before joining his brother-in-law, Dan, on the family farm. He and Dan farmed together for over 40 years. For just over twenty years, Mark drove a school bus for the Sheridan Community Schools. In addition, he sold seed for Beck’s Hybrids.

  Mark and Leah knew they wanted to start their family on a solid foundation. They did this by attending church regularly at the Sheridan Wesleyan Church (the church was later renamed Sheridan Six Points Wesleyan Church). He was a talented wood worker and also enjoyed painting country scenes on old barn shingles. Mark helped and encouraged both of his sons, Jonathan, and Martin, during each of their 10 years in 4-H. He supported his sons, and later his grandchildren throughout their sports and other activities as well. Mark also enjoyed farming activities and occasional fishing with his sons. Mark and Leah enjoyed family gatherings, traveling, and antiquing. Mark was a handyman and could fix just about anything at the house or on the farm.

  Mark believed in serving his community. His tenures included Adams Township Trustee from 1974 to 1989, Adams Township Advisory Board from 1990 to 2013, and also served on the Hamilton County Farm Bureau board. Mark also participated in a lot of political events throughout Hamilton County. Voting was very important to Mark and something he instilled in his family. Mark was a member of the Sheridan Legion Post 67.

  Mark leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Leah; their two sons Jonathan (Melissa) Raines of Terhune; and Martin (Michelle) Raines of Noblesville. He was a loving grandfather to 6 grandchildren: Haven (Andrew), Olivia (Nic), Andrew, Benjamin, Nathan, and Natalie. He was a proud great-grandfather to Caroline. Mark was preceded in death his brother Randy, his sister Brenda, and a great-grandchild Charlotte.

  Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Sheridan Six Points located at 1545 W. 226th St. in Sheridan, Indiana. Following the gathering will be a celebration of Mark’s life at 1 p.m. Pastor Scott McDermid will be officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Six Points Church or the Sheridan Historical Society, specifically the “Military Banner Program.”

  Everyone is invited to sign the online guestbook, leave a condolence, or share a memory at fisherfunerals.com.

  Fisher Family Funeral Services is honored to serve the Raines Family.

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