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Thursday, August 31, 2017
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John Mark Young posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
REUNIONS FOR THE CLASS OF ‘68
We are grand! We are great!
We’re the Class of ’68!
The Sapulpa High School Class of 1968 wasn’t ever known for humility−or for being the best behaved either!
We were known as the class that had the most class−if you don’t believe it, just ask any of us. But the one who had the most class of all was our president−Lynn Rainwater.
Lynn wasn’t just the president for our senior year−he was president for life because he was bigger than life. Most of us have grown up since then, but somehow “Mr. President,” as some of us called Lynn, always had one foot back in the Sixties.
He was the spearhead planning all of our high school reunions and was the best entertainment at all of them. He’s been known to impersonate the performers on Saturday Night Live, like the “Church Lady,” and poke fun at all of us. At other times he was a “DJ” playing his collection of old 45 rpm records for our dances. He was a great card shark too, who almost never cheated!
I myself have mostly fond memories of Lynn−except for the time he stole my serious girlfriend from me. She was a Sapulpa High School cheerleader, but her name will remain anonymous to protect her otherwise impeccable reputation, marred only for having dated Lynn and me.
Lynn and I both have laughed about it many times since then, but it wasn’t very funny at the time. I should have taken it in stride since she not only dumped me for the class president, but also for a football player, a Corvette driver (I should have seen that one coming−I was driving an International Scout at the time), a shoe salesman, and a preacher (who won her heart in the end). Eventually I wound up with a cheerleader from Purcell and Lynn caught a cute red headed girl, so all’s well that ends well!
Lynn came from a longtime Sapulpa family that was a fixture in town. His dad and mom, Roy and Edith Rainwater, owned Rainwater Jewelry on Dewey Street and every year supplied graduates with their class rings. Lynn eventually took over the store and proudly proclaimed that, at his jewelry store, the wrist watch batteries he sold would be “correctly installed”−presumably better than his competitors installed them.
When it finally came time for me to buy an engagement ring from Rainwater Jewelry for my Purcell cheerleader−financed with savings from my paper route−I had the satisfaction of finally having a girlfriend that Lynn couldn’t−or at least he hadn’t−stolen from me!
When he wasn’t a DJ on the radio or selling jewelry at the family store, Lynn took a job as a sales clerk at Renberg’s in Tulsa. Before long Lynn was back to his old habits. Instead of just concentrating on selling merchandise, he noticed a girl who was so cute that even the great “chick magnet” Lynn Rainwater was afraid to ask her out!
He finally got up the nerve and−wonder of all wonders−she said “yes”−more than once−and Sally Overfield became Sally Rainwater. They were made for each other and became partners in life, as well as the jewelry business, where they had fun travelling all over the country together!
Lynn also has an older brother Ross (SHS Class of 1964), who no doubt wishes he’d been born into the Class of ’68 too, and two wonderful sons, Dr. Scott Rainwater (SHS Class of 1993) and Ryan, who was president of his SHS senior class of 2003, besides all the rest of us who knew him and loved him too.
Last week Lynn went to another Class of ’68 reunion.
Larry Henshaw, Ricky James, Brenda Goines, Ralph Hayes, Carl Logan, Bobby Hopkins, Monty Philpot, Shirley Birmingham, Rex McFarlin, Erma Nash, Carol James, Charlie Brumley, Brenda Lane, Chris Marshall, Kim Whittenton, Larry Stephens, Barbara Sidebottom, Norman Hill, Judy Hickman, Gary McIntosh, Larry Williams, James Rame, Ernie Tapp, and a few others from the Class of ’68 were already there. Lynn’s mom and dad−and our Lord and Savior−were there too.
Lynn’s family, which isn’t just his wife, sons, and brother, but includes all of the rest of us too, will miss his smile, his laughs, and his hugs−but we’ll never be without his love, friendship, and his memory.
Somehow I think he’s already begun planning the next reunion. It’s going to be really great−better than all the rest! We’ll all be invited and−someday−we’ll all be there together again.
So long Lynn−it’s been great being with you in the Class of ’68!
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Kristi Howard posted a condolence
Friday, September 28, 2012
Not much to say, as I didn't get the honor of knowing him like his friends and family have. However, we bought my wedding rings from him 17 years ago, and when I worked at Reasor's WAY back in the day, when he'd come by and get things, he was one of my favorite customers.
He was always cheery and a very fun, very kind man.
After he quit doing jewelry, he still remembered me, and when we'd see each other in passing, he was always there to say HELLO if I didn't.
My condolences to you on your loss. He was a great man. (((HUGS)))
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Michael Cooper posted a condolence
Monday, September 24, 2012
Sally, I picked up the paper today and was shocked to hear of Lynn's passing. I just wanted you to know, though we haven't seen each other for years, that Lynn was one of the most wonderful men I've known. I remember way back during the Renberg days when you two met. My prayers and thoughts are with you today and in the days to come. Mike
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DeeAnn Long posted a condolence
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Ryan, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family. DeeAnn (Former Manager of FMC)
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Joe & Joyce Smith posted a condolence
Friday, September 21, 2012
We loved hanging out with Lynn and Sally back in the 1990's with car clubs. Sorry we failed to keep in touch the past 10 years, but we still thought of you on occasion. Lynn was a great guy that we always enjoyed his company.
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Philip (Phil) Engles posted a condolence
Friday, September 21, 2012
Sally, You and Lynn had been through many good times and lately some hard times. I know you will miss him but we both know he is with Jesus and in a less painful and peaceful place. May God give you strength and the understanding you need as you go forward. Lynn was out going and always helping out not only the Class of '68 but other classes as well. He will be missed.
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Carol Sellers Lott posted a condolence
Friday, September 21, 2012
Where do you start - what an amazing positive attitude he had throughout his ordeal. He was trying to keep everyone upbeat - not just his family but also his friends. Lynn could always put you in a good mood...he was a very caring person. I truly feel privileged to have known him; to call him friend. Lynn touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all. To Sally and the family, know that he was respected and loved by many, many people and that many, many hearts are saddened. My deepest condolences.
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Donna Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Lynn will be missed by everyone that ever met him, that infectious smile. My thoughts and prayers for his family and loved ones.
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Sharon McCaig posted a condolence
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Lynn was an amazing man and I am so blessed to have known him. I know he had a positive impact on so many lives. I have never met a man more caring or compassionate. Lynn will be so greatly missed. I treasure our memories and friendship. My deepest, deepest sympathy to the entire family. My heart breaks for you.
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Craig Henderson posted a condolence
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Whether through Rainwater Jewelry, an occasional social setting or most recently church, Lynn always made me and my family feel like the most important people in the world. Always positive, always smiling and always engaging others around him. While age separated us, our Brotherhood through Phi Kappa Psi did not and we often talked about our beloved fraternity and know Phi Psi has lost an incredible brother. You'll be missed.
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George Pritchett posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I am very sorry to hear of Lynn's passing. He was a fine person and always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed.
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