Michael Evan Rakes

August 30, 1953

November 3, 2025

Michael Evan Rakes, age 72, of Thurmont, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Frederick Health Hospital, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on August 30, 1953, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Cecil D. Rakes and Evelyn M. (Miller) Rakes. He was the devoted husband of Linda Sue Rakes, with whom he shared 53 wonderful years of marriage.

Mike is survived by his children, Michael Rakes II and wife Casey of Thurmont, and Rebecca Sanders of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren, Hannah Sheriff (Dalton) of Port Huneme, CA; Colby Rakes (Faith) of Mont Alto, PA; Wyatt Pepper of Gettysburg, PA; Tyler Rakes of Thurmont; Emma Stotts (Luke) of Russell Springs, KY; Owen Pepper of Waynesboro, PA; Riley Sanders of Waynesboro, PA; and Natalie Sanders of Waynesboro, PA; and four great-grandchildren, Waylon, Carter, Dallas, and Hudson. He is also survived by his siblings, Joan Eline, Ann Smith, Gene Beard, and Sam Rakes.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mike Pepper, and several siblings.

A 1971 graduate of Catoctin High School, Mike worked for various employers around Thurmont, including mowing at Blue Ridge Cemetery, Hoke Furniture, Claire Frock, Shenandoah Plastics, picking up trash with Bob Gelwicks, and repairing lawn mowers at The Home Equipment Center. His most memorable employment to most was at his uncle Jim Langdon’s gas station, Direct-To-You Gas, where he managed the gas station after his father Cecil retired. Mike later worked out of town at Tamko Products in Frederick, and then in Baltimore at Potts & Callahan, and Cotten Construction as a diesel mechanic. Tired of the long commute, he went to work at Werres Corporation in Frederick, where he worked repairing industrial vehicles and forklifts. He had a brief stint selling parts at Condon’s Auto Parts in Westminster, but lastly returned to Werres as a parts salesman until his retirement in 2018. In his retirement years, he enjoyed breakfast with his friends, hunting, fishing, camping, riding ATVs, and attending the Marion auction. He also repaired lawn mowers to stay busy.

Mike trusted the Lord Jesus as his savior in 1985 and was a devoted member of Pioneer Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and a faithful servant of the Lord. He cherished time spent with both his family and his church family. Mike was always supportive of the church ministries and often helped out pastors, teachers, and evangelists passing through with repairs to their vehicles.

Friends and family were received at Pioneer Baptist Church, 13802 Long Road, Thurmont, on Thursday, November 6, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Friday, November 7, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The funeral service was held at the church on Friday, November 7, at 11:00 a.m., with his pastor and friend, Pastor Stanley Wilson, officiating. Interment followed in Blue Ridge Cemetery with his former pastor and friend, James Coblentz, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to Pioneer Baptist Church, P.O. Box 355, Thurmont, MD 21788.