Harold E. Raikes

February 22, 1944 - July 6, 2020

NEW PALESTINE – Harold E. Raikes, age 76, of New Palestine, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020. He was born in Petersburg, Illinois on February 22, 1944 to Coy and Lela Kathern (Polly) Raikes. He graduated from Morristown High School in 1962. Harold served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. On January 25, 1969, Harold married Glenda Faye (Whitaker) in Fountaintown. He worked for International Harvester / Navistar in Indianapolis as a machinist and line foreman for 43 years before retiring. Harold was a member of UAW, Fountaintown Christian Church, and Over the Hill Gang. He liked making wooden toys and giving them out to children, riding his motorcycle, camping, water skiing, and farming. He loved Bluegrass music and going to the Barn. Harold is survived by his wife, Glenda Raikes of New Palestine; son, Paul (Sally) Raikes of Greenfield; grandchildren, Justin, Ashley, and Tyler; and great-grandchildren, Eli and Carson; sister, Donna (Mike) Kinman of Beulah Vista, IN; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Coy and Lela Raikes; son, John Aaron Raikes; and sister, Louise Johnson. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Rev. Mike Smith will be officiating. Burial will follow at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to Community Church of Fountaintown, 11589 N. Division Rd., Fountaintown, IN 46130, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.