Benny E. Rains, Sr.

Benny Edward Rains Sr., 87 of Millstadt, IL., passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday December 6, 2025. He was born on January 24, 1938, in Pomona, IL. To Glen T. and Edith M. (Clover) Rains. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Wanda, Donna and Alta.

Benny grew up in rural Southern Illinois on his family farm. He enjoyed working the farm and hunting with his brother Dale. He met his beloved wife, Mary F. Hayden in 1957. They were married the following year in East Saint Louis on August 8, 1958. Together, they raised five children.

Benny retired from Elementis Chemical Company in 1999. He started as a laborer and worked his way up to department supervisor, retiring as a consultant. He was an active member of Moose Lodge 1221 in Swansea, IL. for many years. Benny was a man of deep faith, very generous and was always willing to help anyone in need. He also had a great interest in classic cars and loved playing his guitar and singing.

Most important to Benny was his family and the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years, Mary F. (Hayden) Rains; his children: Lisa (Mike) Stern, Michelle (Randy) Green, Leslie (John) Hubbs, Benny (Jamie) Rains, Jr. and Jason (Cindy) Rains; his brother, Dale Rains; 12 grand children, 6 great grand children, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday December 14, 2025, from 11am to 1pm at Hoffen Funeral Home, 220 West Washington St., Millstadt, IL. Funeral services will follow at 1pm at the funeral home with Rev. Larry Ridenour, presiding. Internment will follow at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to:

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105 or to

Samaritan’s Purse www.samaritanpurse.org or by mail to PO Box 3000, Boone, NC. 28607. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.