Richard Rainwater

Richard Dean (Rick) Rainwater passed away peacefully in his home on May 15, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Rick was born on September 12, 1947 in Houston, Texas to Juil (Dean) and Betty Rainwater. He was the first born of four children, followed by his brother Johnny, and twin sisters Bart and Marcy.  Rick was raised in Channelview, Texas and graduated from Channelview High School on May 27, 1966.  Following graduation, Rick joined the United States Navy and served on the USS St. Paul from 1967 to 1971 during the Vietnam War.  

After his service, Rick moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and welcomed his first child, Eve Shields Rainwater on May 18,1979.  In 1980, Rick met the love of his life, Judith (Judy) Myers while he was attending Westminster University. They were married on October 31, 1983 in Nampa, Idaho.  While living in Idaho, the couple welcomed 3 children; Adam Lee Rainwater, Renae Dawn Rainwater, and Crystal Jewel Rainwater.

Whilst raising his children, Rick shared his love of the outdoors with them by taking them on frequent outings, camping trips, and road trips. When Adam and Renae were only 2 and 1 years old, the family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska. In Alaska, Rick and Judy enjoyed the views of the Aurora Borealis and living a primitive lifestyle. Rick was known to be an avid rock collector, photographer, and nature enthusiast.  

The family moved back to Idaho and lived in Homedale and Nampa while Adam and Renae finished out their schooling.  In 2004, they decided to relocate to Baker City, Oregon to enjoy a quieter life.  It was in Baker City, Oregon that Crystal graduated from high school.

In the summer of 2008, Rick, Judy, and Crystal fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved to Hawaii to join their daughter Renae.  They lived on the island of Kauai.  While in Hawaii, Rick relished in island life.  He spent his days swimming in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, beachcombing, and taking in all of the beauty the island had to offer.  

In 2009, the family returned to Oregon and moved to his final home in Richland, Oregon.  In Richland, Rick and Judy enjoyed a quiet, peaceful life.  Rick spent a lot of his time tending to the garden and fruit trees.  He also loved to watch the night sky.  

Rick was known for his sense of humor, generosity, and love of his family.  He cherished his time with his children and grandchildren.  Even though he lived a great distance from his family in Texas and Alabama, he talked with them regularly.  He was especially close to his mother, Betty and his younger twin sisters, Bartrella (Bart) Jones and Marcella (Marcy) Snell.  

Rick will be greatly missed by all of his family.  His legacy will live on through his wife, Judy Rainwater, children (Eve Rainwater Maes, Adam Lee Rainwater and daughter-in-law Aysha Vidales, Renae Rainwater, Crystal Rainwater Wirth and son-in-law Adam Wirth), his six grandchildren (Louis Mendez, Manuel Mendez and his wife and Desiree, Ava Jolie Mendez, Asher Dean Rainwater, Arlo Lee Rainwater, and Moira Mae Wirth), his great-grandchild (Maui Mendez) and his sisters (Marcy Snell, husband Chris and daughters Alison and Alyssa Rigopoulos and Bartrella Jones and her daughter Amanda).

Rick’s graveside service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Baker City, Oregon on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 am.  A celebration of life will follow in August of 2024.    Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com