Emmitt Dale Rains

Emmitt Dale Rains, 82, of rural Hutsonville, IL, passed from this life on December 14, 2025, in the home where he was raised. He was born at the Allen Sanitarium in Robinson, IL, the son of Harry & Annis (Vinsel) Rains, and he grew up outside of Hutsonville. He married Linda Gurley on January 29, 1966, and they had a child, Darin Joe, who was born and died on August 6, 1971. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Linda Rains; his brother & sister-in-law, Wayne & Faye Rains (Chattanooga, TN); his sisters-in-law, Zelpha Rains, Martha Jane Weck, and Barbara Gurley; his nieces & nephews, Julia & Doug Daniels, Amy & John Rogers, David & Carmen Rains, Tim & Jamie Rains, and Andrew Rains & Cynthia Braden; by eleven great-nieces & nephews and fourteen great-great-nieces & nephews; by several nieces & nephews-in-law (and their children and grandchildren); by a special cousin, Joan & husband Charles Gillespie; and by his friend and co-worker, Lori & husband Kevin Davis (and their children and grandchildren).

Emmitt was a working man through and through. He started out at a service station in Terre Haute before managing the station at Gordon Junction for two or three years. From there, he worked at Robinson Automotive Supply for two years, then spent 16 years as the fuel delivery man for Gaddis Oil in Robinson. He eventually stepped out on his own and ran Rains Oil Company for 17 years before finishing his career with Wabash Valley Service Co. in Oblong, where he worked for five years.

In retirement, Emmitt enjoyed the simple pleasures like country drives around the area with Linda and his dog, Daisy May (who rode shotgun up front with him, leaving Linda in the backseat!). He also loved farming, and few things brought him more joy than being in a tractor. A faithful NASCAR fan, he could be found cheering on drivers like Dale Earnhardt Sunday after Sunday for years. And while Sunday afternoons were for racing, Sunday mornings were for worship. Emmitt attended Mount Olive Baptist Church, and we take heart knowing he is now worshipping Jesus face-to-face.

Private services will be held with the assistance of the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to “Mount Olive Baptist Church,” the Oblong Fire Department’s “Christmas for Kids” program, or “Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice.”