Michael Rainbolt

MICHAEL ARTHUR RAINBOLT

Michael Arthur Rainbolt, age 52, of Medill, MO, died Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at his home.

He was born September 4, 1951 at Hannibal, MO, a son of Hillis Dale and Edith Howard Rainbolt.

He married Brenda L. Ramsey on December 24, 1972 at Kahoka and to this union were born two children, Brandon and Natasha.

Survivors include his mother, Edith F. Johnson of Revere, MO; a son, Brandon M. Rainbolt and his wife, Joann of LaBelle, MO; a daughter, Natasha R. Rainbolt of Galesburg, IL; four grandchildren: Sean Michael, B.Ryan, Rachael, and Rebekah Rainbolt, all of LaBelle, MO; one brother, James H. D. Rainbolt and his wife, Leslie, of Keokuk, IA; three sisters, Kathleen A. Montoya and her husband, Angelo, of Farmington, NM, Paula M. Yount and her husband, James, of Florrisant, MO, and, Lynda L. Kerr and her husband, Andy, of Kahoka, MO; aunts and uncles, Betty Ann McLeod of San Diego, CA, Billie and Ray Curry of Farmington, NM, John "Jack" Rainbolt of Quincy, IL, Dorothy Higbee of Canton, MO, and David Howard of Canton, MO; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father; step-father, Ronald S. Johnson; and grand-parents.

Mike graduated from Clark County R-1 High School in 1969. During this time he was a drummer for "the Rooks"(a rock band well known around the tri-state area) where his signature tune was "Wipe Out". Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam War. After his discharge, he worked several years for Butch Neves in Kahoka at his electronic repair shop. He later moved to New Mexico where he was an electrician for El Paso Natural Gas in Farmington. During his employment there, he was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol in Farmington for a period of time. He returned to Clark County, MO, in the late 1980's where he owned and operated Rainbolt Radio and Electric.

Mike was a creative, intelligent, and talented man. He was interested in science and had several patented inventions. He was an outstanding musician, with the ability to play several instruments including the drums, guitar, piano and harmonica. He enjoyed singing and composing music, as well as getting together with friends and "jamming" One of his most memorable musical experiences was playing the piano on stage with Fats Domino as a young boy. Flying was another interest of Mike's as he loved flying bi-planes and working with other pilots including Richard Bach during the "barn storming" era. Mike enjoyed spending time with family and was a proud and loving father and grandfather.

Memorial services are Monday, May 10, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Rev. Roland Carbone officiating. Inurnment with military honors will be in Keokuk National Cemetery.

Friends can register after noon on Sunday at Wilson Funeral Home with family receiving friends 6-8 p.m. Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Fabius Cemetery Fund, the Clark Co. Marching Indians, or the donor's choice.