Joseph W. Raines

Joseph Watson Raines, 95, of Cheshire passed away May 8, 2016 from a broken heart due to the death, 61 days earlier, of Latona "Toni" Raines, his beloved wife of 70 years.

Joe was born Jan 9 (according to the authorities) or Jan 11 (according to his mother, who was actually there), 1921 in Verbena, Alabama. He was the son of Joseph Alfred Raines, a Baptist Minister, and Rilla Harmon Raines, an educator. After studying aircraft design at the Aero Industries Technical Institute, Mr. Raines took a position with Lockheed Aircraft, where his classification as an "Indispensable Defense Industry Employee" thwarted his first two attempts to enlist after Pearl Harbor. Definitively (adamantly) resigning his position and refusing to consider returning, he finally persuaded Lockheed to inform the military he was eligible for service in 1943.

Joining the Army Air Corps (there was no Air Force in those days) he finished at the head of his class in flight training (piloting B-17s), then was chosen to train to fly the newer, more complex B-29. The war ended as he was awaiting assignment to the Pacific Theater of operations.

Returning to Los Angeles he married Latona Lee "Toni" Coats on Nov. 17, 1945. Together they moved to Alabama, New Jersey, and finally Connecticut as Joe’s career in sales and marketing in the electronics and microwave industries developed, culminating in the creation of Connecticut Microwave Corporation, from which both Mr. and Mrs. Raines retired in 2012. Their son Randy and grandson David operate the company today.

Avidly interested in politics, Joe served Cheshire as a Town Councilman and as a Constable. During the Watergate Scandal years he formed and led the Connecticut Committee for the Presidency and was a frequent presence on regional TV.

He was an active member of the Baptist Church of Cheshire and its successor congregations for more than 50 years, serving many terms as both a Deacon and a Trustee.

He is survived by his four sons, Randall Raines (Marilyn) of Cheshire, David Raines of Lunenburg, MA, Gregory Raines (Laurie) of Arlington, VA., and Jeff Raines (Liz) of Piedmont, CA., by six grandchildren, and by four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, a sister, and by the only woman he ever loved, with whom he is now reunited in eternal joy.

A Funeral Service for Mr. Raines will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 10AM at The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St, 06410. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, Wallingford Road. Calling hours will be held from 9AM until his service starts at 10AM. At the request of his family, memorial contributions may be made to the White Oak Baptist Church, Cheshire Campus, 120 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410.