Bob Rakestraw, 82, of Houston, TX; went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Bob was born on April 29, 1944 in Canton, IL to the late George Rakestraw and Mary (Shaw) Rakestraw. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Hewitt. During his youth, Bob served as an acolyte in the Episcopal church in Canton every Sunday. Bob graduated from Canton High School in 1962. Bob attended Wabash College on a full academic scholarship, graduating in 1966. He earned his Masters degree from Bowling Green State U. in 1968 and an MBA from U. Toledo in 1972.
When Bob was in graduate school, he met the love of his life, Roberta Rae Allen while waterskiing on the Illinois River. Bob and Roberta were married on August 17, 1969 and enjoyed 56 busy years of adventures together. They loved to travel to exotic locations in their younger years, including Egypt, India, Nepal and Hong Kong.
After he completed his studies, Bob worked for Price Waterhouse as a CPA in Toledo, OH. Bob and Roberta moved to Houston in 1975 with Aramco Services Company where Bob worked as an Internal Audit Manager. Bob also spent time working in Saudi Arabia with Aramco. He later worked with other oil services companies in Houston. Bob spent most of his career (22 years) at JPMorgan Chase Bank (previously Texas Commerce Bank) where he advanced to be a Vice President.
After retiring in 2007, Bob worked as a CPA and tax accountant with several small accounting firms. Later, Bob spent time as a substitute teacher. One of his favorite places to work was the FFA Ag. Farm through the Spring Branch vocational center. As a substitute there, he often met Roberta for lunch.
Bob and Roberta spent much of their leisure time enjoying nature and the beach. Bob loved music and enjoyed singing in the choir with Texas Commerce Bank. Bob and Roberta joined Tallowood Baptist Church of Houston, Texas in 1985 after deciding that it would be the right place to raise their family. They have been a member of the dynamic Praisers class for many years.
Bob loved reading mystery novels, learning to use new computer technology, car maintenance and most importantly, being around his family and pets. Bob was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. Roberta counted on him to repair anything and to solve any issue at their home. Bob is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren: Vanessa Shaw of Houston, TX, Sienna Rakestraw Singer (Dan) of River Forest, IL with their children August and Beatrix, and Brandon Rakestraw (Shannon) of Frisco, TX with their children, Mason, Memphis, McAlister, Montgomery Jean and Miller. Bob and Roberta had many cats, birds, fish and even a pet rabbit.
Most important to Bob was supporting his children and grandchildren in their educational achievements and being their biggest champion at athletic competitions and religious activities. As Bob’s life is complete, may we realize that loving him was the best gift of all.
A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 am Thursday July 2, 2026 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Houston SPCA and Salvation Army. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com
