John Robert Raines

Published 6:00 am Friday, March 23, 2018

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at 10 a.m. in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille for John Robert Raines, 66, who died on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Lafayette General Medical Center.

Reverend Father Nathan Comeaux, Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, will conduct the memorial services.

Survivors include one daughter, Joy Alicia Raines; one son Josef Luke Raines; two sisters Kathleen R. Beckmann and her husband, Douglas, and Lisa Raines; three nieces Heather, Amanda and Stacey; two nephews Mark and David; and his uncle Bruce Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Harry Raines and Kathleen Joy Martin Salvatore; and his step-father, Joseph Michael Salvatore. 

John had an illustrious career in City Planning and Public Administration. He served as the Director of Planning/Zoning, Public Works and the C.A.O. of the City-Parish of Lafayette. He later worked in Iberia Parish, bringing his experiences to that growing, vibrant city.

He was a respected expert in City Planning, Zoning and building development throughout the State. John was a guiding force during Lafayette’s unprecedented growth beginning in the 1970’s. With a keen ability to bring people together, John was able to have legislation enacted for zoning, sign/billboard laws, building, and beautification requirements. John led Lafayette’s first Historic Preservation efforts, writing the Ordinance and seating the first official Commission in 1988. Lafayette’s status as a world class community is due in part to the dedication and tireless work of people like John.

The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille’s downtown location on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. until time of services.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Raines’ name to Faith House, P.O. Box 93145 Lafayette, LA 70509 or CSA c/o St. Joseph Diner P.O. Box 3177, Lafayette, LA 70502.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille-downtown-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 234-2311.