LEWISTON — John F. Rakestraw, 98, passed away to his heavenly home on Saturday, Feb. 25, at d’Youville Pavilion with his family by his side.

He was born July 19, 1913, the son of Freeman and Nellie Davis Rakestraw, the 12th of 13 children, in Havana, Ill. He was the last member of his immediate family.

He is survived by a son, Charles Rakestraw and wife, Peggy, of Anniston, Ala.; three daughters Alice Byers of Pekin, Ill., Shirlene Vorgert and husband, Don, of Spottswood, Va., and Diana Bisson and husband, Arthur, of Topsham; 10 grandchildren, Vincent, Tim, and Tom Byers, Marie Cupi, Tina Burd, John Rakestraw II, Scott Vorgert and wife, Heidi, Mark Vorgert and fiance, Heather Berry, David Bisson and wife, Valerie, and Melissa Estela and husband, Michael; 24 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

He was a loving husband, dad and grandpa and will be sadly missed.

He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers; eight sisters; and his wife, Betty Herberer Rakestraw.

The family would like to especially thank the nurses and CNAs at d’Youville Pavilion on 4 West for all the special loving attention and care they gave our dad and family during his stay. We appreciate all of you and for treating our dad like family, with sincere and grateful hearts, thank-you all so much.

A video tribute may be viewed and memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.