History
Raynes Funeral Home provides a full range of services including traditional funerals, memorial services, cremation, and pre-planning.
Our wide selection of merchandise allows a family to create a meaningful service that reflects the life of their loved one. Some of these items include caskets (bronze, copper, steel & wood), vaults (steel & concrete), cremation urns, memorial gifts and monuments.We also offer memory portraits and video tributes. Our staff can also assist you in applying for Social Security death benefits, Veterans death benefits, and notary services.
Feel free to visit this site anytime, contact us at (304) 937-2731 or visit us at 2117 Buffalo Road Buffalo, WV 25033.
Founded in September of 1920 by C.H. Raynes, the business has been operated by the Raynes Family since that date. After graduation from the Cincinnati College of Embalming, Mr. Raynes was licensed by the West Virginia Board of Embalmers on September 20, 1920 at Parkersburg WV.
During the early 1920's he combined the funeral business with the operation of a livery stable and furniture business. He was also a coal dealer and automobile salesman during those early years.
The first hearse used by Raynes Funeral home was horse-drawn, but this was replaced with a gasoline-powered, hand-carved hearse in 1929.
After being completely burned out in two locations [the Frail-Donahoe store and The "Doc" Leonard property] Mr. Raynes moved his business into the property which now adjoins the present structure. His business and home were combined in this building.
The present structure begun in 1936 with the first floor designed as a funeral home and the second floor as living quarters for the Raynes family.
After graduation from the Cincinnati College of Embalming in March 1949, Charles S. Raynes joined his father in the operation of the business.
In early 1964, C.H. Raynes retired from active participation in the management of the firm and Charles S. Raynes assumed the management at that time.
In September of 1964 an extensive building and remodeling project was completed. Approximately 3200 square feet of floor space was added at that time.
A third building phase was begun in August 1986. Approximately 3800 square feet was added to the second floor of the building. Included in this area are a large casket display room, clothing display room, arrangement office, and two large storage rooms. The first floor area was also remodeled and an addition added at this time. The entry was extended, an office and lounge added, along with new carpeting, flooring, furnishings and extensive landscaping of the grounds. This phase was completed in May of 1987.
Raynes Funeral Home has remained family owned and operated throughout its history. Mr. and Mrs. Raynes proudly welcomed their grandson T. Evan Bias as a third generation licensed director in 2005. Evan has been employed at the funeral home since 1999 and attended West Virginia State College to fulfill his state licensing requirements. Evan graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in September of 2005 and obtained his license in October of 2005.
Mrs. Barbara Raynes and Evan Bias would like to thank the families who have placed their trust in the Raynes family to care for their loved ones.