Theodore “Ted” Rakes, 79, of Welch passed away Friday, February 28, 2020 at his home.

Born April 23, 1940 in Welch he was the son of the late Charles Ellis Rakes and Sarah Mae Roberts Rakes. He was a resident of Welch the greater part of his life. He was a retired coalminer having worked for Cannelton Coal Co, Superior and Maple Meadows Coal Co. He was a former coal truck driver, and heavy equipment operator and line man for various construction companies. He loved watching NASCAR races.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son David Blackburn; a daughter Renee Blackburn; three sisters Carolyn Kidd, Mary Ann Rose and Priscilla Morgan; and a brother Gary Rakes.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Linda Darlene Blackburn Rakes of the home; four daughters, Dreama Lynn England Reed and husband Andy of Coal City, Lisa Blackburn of Welch, and Sonya and Sandi Rakes both of Christiansburg, VA; a sister, Patricia Mullins of Hemphill; a very special nephew, Butch Rakes of Bishop, VA whom he thought of as a son; and 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 3, at 11 a.m. in the Douglas Mortuary Chapel in Welch with the Reverend Danny Blackburn officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell.

Friends may call at the funeral home Monday from 6-8 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Blackburn, Andy Reed, Drew Reed, Butch Rakes, Gary Rakes and Lacy Mullins.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at douglasmortuary.com