Obituaries

Dr. Dariel Clayton Rakestraw, 84, of Hockessin, Delaware, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Morgantown, WV.

He was born in Cherryvale, Kansas, on July 16, 1937, a son of the late George Frederick and Sarah Christine Oliver Rakestraw.

Dr. Rakestraw is survived by his wife, Jane Heaberlin Rakestraw, who resides in Morgantown.

Also surviving are his children, Gregory James Hall of Eureka, CA, and Allyson “Ally” Hall of Fairmont; his brother, Lawrence “Bud” Rakestraw of Missouri; his sister, Rosalie Goodrich of Texas. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Braeden Hall and Garrett Hall both of Eureka, California, Jack Swensson and Jane Swensson both of Fairmont, WV.

Following graduation from high school, he served our country in the US Army. After serving in the military, he graduated from Wichita State University and then went on to receive his master’s degree and PhD from the University of Delaware.

He was a senior research Bio Chemist for Pfizer and previously was employed at DuPont and Merck. Dr. Rakestraw attended four presidential dinners during his years of work as a bio chemist.

Dr. Rakestraw was involved in soil conservation and environmental work in Delaware and was an advocate and supporter of The Independence School in Delaware which his wife Jane was a founding member.

He loved his grandchildren very much and supported them in their artistic and athletic endeavors.

Honoring his wishes, Dr. Rakestraw will be cremated. A celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.