Obituary for Bobby Jo Rainwater
Bobby Jo Rainwater, 77, was born in Battle Creek on February 22, 1942 to Thomas and Ann (Slocum) Rainwater. He passed away at his home in Marshall on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. He is survived by his wife Sharon (Birman) Rainwater, who stayed by his side for fifty years, daughter Cheryl (Cary) Booth, and sons Bobby Jr. (Billie), Karl (Brenda), Mark and Rob (April) Rainwater, eighteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, sisters Anna Jean Douglas and Cheryl McCage, brother Thomas Rainwater, and aunt Avis Simless. Also missing Bobby are his furry children Mister Milo, Sir Otis, and Missy. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ann (Slocum) Rainwater and grandson Seth A. Rainwater.
As a young adult, Bobby developed a desire to join the US Air Force. Because he was not yet 18, he had to get his mother’s written permission to enlist. He had to put rocks in his pockets and drank a quart of milk to meet the minimum weight requirement. His tour began in February 1960 as a jet mechanic until his honorable discharged in April 1967. During his service, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Outstanding Unit Award and the Good Conduct Medal.
In the years following his service Bobby continued working as a mechanic, first at DeNooyer Chevrolet, then DeMaagd Oldsmobile. He later retired from Denso Manufacturing. In his free time, Bobby enjoyed hunting (rifle, musket, and compound bow), trap shooting and CB radio - where his handle was “dewdrop”. He was also a founding member of the Balsa Bees RC model airplane club, where he flew the 1/3 scale RC Model airplanes he built at home. In addition, he enjoyed traveling, camping, cruises, concerts, astronomy, bowling, and golf. He was also known to enjoy science fiction movies and shows as well as westerns - much to the dismay of his children and grandchildren. He was able to share his love of Volcano Pizza in Battle Creek over the years with three generations of Rainwater children.
Viewing will be held Monday, January 6, 2020 from 12-2 p.m. at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, Patriot Guard Riders or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the name of Bobby J. Rainwater.
As a young adult, Bobby developed a desire to join the US Air Force. Because he was not yet 18, he had to get his mother’s written permission to enlist. He had to put rocks in his pockets and drank a quart of milk to meet the minimum weight requirement. His tour began in February 1960 as a jet mechanic until his honorable discharged in April 1967. During his service, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Outstanding Unit Award and the Good Conduct Medal.
In the years following his service Bobby continued working as a mechanic, first at DeNooyer Chevrolet, then DeMaagd Oldsmobile. He later retired from Denso Manufacturing. In his free time, Bobby enjoyed hunting (rifle, musket, and compound bow), trap shooting and CB radio - where his handle was “dewdrop”. He was also a founding member of the Balsa Bees RC model airplane club, where he flew the 1/3 scale RC Model airplanes he built at home. In addition, he enjoyed traveling, camping, cruises, concerts, astronomy, bowling, and golf. He was also known to enjoy science fiction movies and shows as well as westerns - much to the dismay of his children and grandchildren. He was able to share his love of Volcano Pizza in Battle Creek over the years with three generations of Rainwater children.
Viewing will be held Monday, January 6, 2020 from 12-2 p.m. at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, Patriot Guard Riders or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the name of Bobby J. Rainwater.