Elbert "Bert" Rains, Jr.

Elbert “Bert” Rains Jr. passed away May 2, 2023, at the age of 86.

Visitation will be on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. A family burial will take place at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Bert was born on March 11, 1937, in Cisco, TX to Elbert and Bertha Rains.  He married the love of his life, Pauline Caswell, in Abilene on December 2, 1955. He retired from Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in April 1999 with 42 years of service.  During this time, he was Vice President and General Manager of Key City Vending Co., and Refreshments Vending and Food Service.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Merchandise Vending Association for 16 years and served as president in 1976.  During his service to TMVA he was recognized for several awards for his dedication to the vending industry.  He was a past member of the former Southwest Optimist Club and served as president in 1969 and 1970.  He received a lifetime membership with Robert E. Lee PTA for his 18-year association.  He was a member of Oldham Lane Church of Christ for 30 years.  Bert was a loving father who cared deeply for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and will be missed.

Bert was preceded in death by his wife Pauline, parents Elbert and Bertha Rains, brother Jerry Don Rains, sisters Loretta and Sandra Rains, and a grandson Landon Reilly Rains.

Bert is survived by his daughter, Debra Lynn Wessel and husband Rick of Westlake, TX; sons, Michael Glen Rains and wife Regina of Abilene, David Keith Rains and husband Garry Pierce of Abilene, and Steven Paul Rains and husband John Boyd of Plano; grandchildren: Jennifer and Travis Haskin of Westlake, Jared and Erin Wessel of Trophy City, Talia Rains of Lubbock, Lyra and Andrew Halloway of Azle, Ryland Rains of Abilene, Maya and Emma Rains of Plano; great-grandchildren: Holden and Harper Haskin of Westlake, Rhett and Reagan Wessel of Trophy City; brother, Lyndell Rains and wife Ina of Abilene;  sisters in law, Deanna Slater of Graham, and Linda Caswell of Lufkin, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the lifelong friendship to the family of Dolores and the late Bill Flatt, and a special appreciation is extended to Dr. Nancy Daggubati and Dr. Victor Hudman for their many years of medical care.