Richard D. “Dick” Rayles

December 11, 2023

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Richard (Dick) Rayles, 89, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023 at IU Health Frankfort Hospital. Dick was born in Frankfort, IN on October 10, 1934. He graduated High School from Frankfort High School in 1952. He served in the Army from 1957 to 1963, serving 2 years active duty and 4 years reserve. Dick worked most of his adult life for the railroad for Nickel Plate and then Norfolk Southern. Dick retired from the railroad in 1995. His passions were Golf, IU Basketball and spending time with his children and grandkids. He also had a special bond with his two Westie dogs; Heidi and Maggie as well as their tomcat “tigerboy”. He and his wife Helen Rayles, enjoyed a long, healthy and happy retirement living between Frankfort in the Summers and Edisto Beach, South Carolina in the winters. Dick was a kind and gentle person with many great and long lasting friendships and will forever be missed by those who loved him.

Visitation and Services

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Arborwood by Shoup's, 100 N. Park Drive, Frankfort, IN on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, with a brief memorial service beginning at 4:30 PM, conducted by Pastor Phil Lake. Following the service, friends may gather until 6:30 PM. Family burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Forest, Ind. Donations can be made on behalf of Dick Rayles to St. Matthew United Methodist Church of Frankfort or the Clinton County Humane Society.

Survived by:

In addition to his wife of 35 years, Helen Rayles, he is survived by his children John Cassim and Katherine Forsythe of Oregon. Also, his three stepchildren Robin Lauth of Naples, FL, Kim Vonderahe of Kokomo and Rusty Robertson of Cave Creek, AZ.

Condolences

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17 Condolences for “Richard D. “Dick” Rayles”

  1. Julie Ingels December 11, 2023 at 5:21 pm

    Such a dear soul. He will be missed.

    Reply
  2. Andrea Shriver December 11, 2023 at 5:49 pm

    Just a great guy and friendly to everyone.

    Reply
  3. Jane A Sheets December 11, 2023 at 8:02 pm

    Helen and family, I am very sorry to learn of your loss. So glad that Helen and Dick met and had a fun life together. My sincere condolences to your family. Embrace your special memories.

    Reply
  4. Lawrence and Linda Warfield December 11, 2023 at 8:37 pm

    Helen and all the family. It is with tremendous sadness that we hear this news. Dick was a great person and we certainly enjoyed our winters when he and Helen stayed in our guest house here in Cave Creek, next door to Rusty and Cindy. He never missed a basketball game on the tube nor a chance to check out a golf course anywhere in Arizona. He was a gracious person, humble and very respectful of everyone and everything around him. Helen, I am sorry for your grief and wish I could take it from you, but rest assured, when you get to heaven, you will have a struggle to figure out which of the great men you married will meet you first.

    Love from us
    Larry and Linda
    Cave Creek, AZ

    Reply
  5. Dan Robertson December 11, 2023 at 9:22 pm

    Dick was a ray of sunshine in any room he occupied. A twinkle was always in his eye. He was indeed one of the good guys and brought a positive dynamic to his family and community. I’ll miss him and will always admire how his presence and contributions made a difference for all of us who knew him. Thanks, Dick, and Rest In Peace…

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  6. Mary Ann Snyder December 11, 2023 at 9:41 pm

    I have so many wonderful memories of Dick that put a smile on my face. His love of golf, his welcoming smile, his thoughtfulness of others and willingness to help when and where he was needed. He enjoyed playing golf with my grandson, Kyle Spencer from the age of 8 at Edisto to following him as he played for the Air Force Academy in an Arizona tournament. I am so happy Dick was in our lives.

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  7. Jan Kersey December 11, 2023 at 10:13 pm

    May Dick be on the first tee on a beautiful day enjoying what he so loved. Dick and Helen were a great pair, a fun couple and he will be missed.

    Reply
  8. Brian Heimbach December 11, 2023 at 10:25 pm

    One of the good ones for sure. Lots of golf stories and a couple of memorable trips for Goodwins. He loved the story about us getting in trouble for having a $50 lunch on the company credit card. (We had to have the pie!). Rest in peace my friend. Brian Heimbach.

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  9. Erin Day December 12, 2023 at 7:57 am

    Rest in peace, Dick. It was a pleasure working with him at the manor.

    Reply
  10. Rita Chittick Andreu December 12, 2023 at 11:47 am

    Dick was one of my favorite people. His big smile, hardy laugh, and love of golf will forever remain in my precious memories. Dick was a father figure and positive influence to me as I was growing up. I’ll never forget him braving a trip to Florida with 4 high school girls and accompanying me to the Theta Dads’ weekends at Purdue. Andy and I enjoyed visits with Dick and Helen through the years and Andy loved playing golf with Dick. We send our sincere condolences to Helen and the family. Rest in Peace, dear man!

    Reply
  11. Chaplain Deborah Musick Klemme December 12, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    Helen and family. Dick was such a sweet soul. I loved his smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his kind words to me. I will miss him in chapel at Wesley Manor.

    Reply
  12. John Smith December 12, 2023 at 3:28 pm

    Gee, I was thinking of Dick just the other day! I worked with him and always was glad when he was the conductor on the job. He was a good man and a joy to work with. I am sure that he will be missed. May God have His hand on his family and bring them some peace and comfort.

    Reply
  13. Julia Aughe December 12, 2023 at 8:20 pm

    Helen,so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was such a nice man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Julia Aughe

    Reply
  14. Jim Strode December 12, 2023 at 8:34 pm

    Dick was one that would help make your day a better one and on the golf course. Its been a joy meeting your daughter Kitty and son JB, from Oregon and knowing your wife Helen. RIP Dick Fooouur every.

    Reply
  15. Jeff Eberle December 12, 2023 at 9:20 pm

    Always one of the first people I wanted to see when I visited Frankfort (home). Thoroughly enjoyed being around Dick, whether it was golfing, breakfast and even back when I worked at Goodwin’s. I’ll sure miss him. Helen, sorry for your loss.
    Jeff Eberle

    Reply
  16. Heather Bond December 13, 2023 at 6:46 pm

    Such a sweet man he will be missed very much.

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  17. Tom & Susan Harris December 16, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    Dear Helen, We were so sad to hear about Dick’s passing. He was such a sweet man and always had that impish smile, when we saw him. I know you enjoyed many wonderful years together and he will be so missed! So sorry we weren’t able to make it to his celebration of life. He was certainly one who had given much to others in his kindness and sweet spirit. Hoping to get to Frankfort one of these days to see you, Helen. Please know Tom and I are praying for God’s comfort for you in this great loss.
    Love to you all
    Susan and Tom Harris

    Reply

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