Obituary of Rev. W. Dean Rainwater

Rev. Wilber Dean Rainwater was born to a very young Christian couple, members of First Baptist Church, Mingus, TX, Luther Lee & Viva Zera (Lindsey) Rainwater on September 4, 1919 and stepped from this life on September 3, 2012 onto Holy Ground in the presence of God at the age of 93. After Dean's birth Lee and Margie Joyce joined the family. When Dean was 8 the coal mines in Mingus were closed and Luther moved his family to Alamosa, CO. The deacon and his Sunday School teacher wife joined the First Baptist Church of Alamosa. At 11, Dean accepted Christ as his Savior. The skies and Rocky Mountains became more bright and beautiful than ever before. When he was 13 he was called to preach. He preached his last sermon, "Left Handed Warriors" on Father's Day 2012 at the age of 92. At 14 he performed his first wedding for Mary Lou & Earl Achatz. On July 28, 2012, from his hospital bed, he performed his last wedding for his granddaughter Deanne & Stevie Fernandez. He began his pastoral duties at age 14 in the San Louis Valley in CO and at 17 he baptized 80 year old Mr. Pittman. At 88 he baptized his grandson, Cole Helsley. During a revival he met his future bride, Marjie Story. She was saved and they were married on May 25, 1941. Soon they moved to Liberty, MO where Dean attended William Jewell College and pastored churches throughout the area. After graduation with a young wife and 2 children, Judie and Terry in tow, he began seminary in Kansas City, MO while working for the Railway Express Agency. His first full time pastorate was in Marceline, MO where Debbie joined the familythen on to Paris, MO. In 1949, he was called to Shields Boulevard Baptist in Oklahoma City and began his 63 years of ministry in OklahomaSulphur Calvary, Atoka First, Pawhuska First, Easton Heights Tulsa, Cherokee First, Alfalfa First and Healdton First where he retired for the first time. He then became director of the Ada Baptist Village during its construction and Chaplin in the Hugo Baptist Village where he retired again. Dean and Marjie moved to Tulsa for his new career as interim pastor and doorman at 2300 Riverside where he retired for the last time. As Marjie became ill with Alzheimer's they moved to Owasso Baptist Village. Marjie passed away in November 2000. Jean Ragsdale, a widow and resident of the village, had prayed for 9 years that God would send her a friend. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." Ephesians 3:20 Dean entered her life as a friend and husband. They were married in the Owasso Baptist Village Chapel on October 17, 2001. They were spiritual, intellectual and emotional equals. They had a great life together traveling, reading and discussing the Bible until her death in January 2011. Dean wondered if his life had meant enough for the Lord and other; if he had given enough. His life has meant so much to his sister, Margie "Pig" Hollenbeck; his 3 children and spouses Judie & Butch Reynolds; Terry & Sharon Rainwater; Debbie & Duane Brost; 6 grandchildren and spouses; 14 great grandchildren; and 4 ½ great great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Dean's memory to the Owasso Baptist Village, 7410 N. 127th E. Ave, Owasso, OK 74055. Dean was a self appointed ambassador of the Village. He so loved and ministered to the people there.