Blann H. Rains

Blann H. Rains, Jr., 69, of Jonesboro, died Tuesday at Jonesboro Health and Rehab Center where he had resided for a brief time.

Blann was born April 16, 1943, in Jonesboro to Blann, Sr. and Reva Jo Inman Rains and lived much of his life here. He was a 1961 graduate of Valley View High School and earned a BS degree in chemistry and math from Arkansas State University in 1966. He worked 22 years for the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, retiring in 2005.

Blann was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and active in the ASU Alumni Association, the ASU Redwolves Club, ASU Touchdown Club and the American Chemical Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jeannie Rains and a grandson, Bryan Harvey.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Mary Katherine Rains of the home;
1 daughter, Betty Jo Rousey of Jonesboro, 1 grandson, Matthew Rousey of Jonesboro, 1 great granddaughter, Taylor Harvey, and 2 sisters: Joann Sullivan of Sikeston, Missouri, and Betty Grace Stewart of College Grove, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 in Emerson Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Albert Camp officiating. Burial will follow in McDaniel Cemetery.

Active pallbearers include: Fred Hargett, Ken Stuart, Bobby Puryear, Bobby Hogue, Dean Roach, Cletis Collins and Brett Collins.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 at Emerson Funeral Home.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to NEA Humane Society, 6111 E. Highland Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401, or ASU Redwolves Club, P.O. Box 2219, State University, AR 72467.