Paul L. Raikes

Paul Louis Raikes, 95, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, May 9, 2022. Paul was born on March 19, 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Paul Wesley and Ruth Burks Raikes. He had one younger brother, Norman. Paul lived in Frankfort as a child and his family moved to Indianapolis where he attended and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and formed an orchestra. After leaving the military, he studied at Butler University. Paul married Loretta Zink at Sutherland Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis on September 10, 1950 where they had met at a Young People's Meeting. They celebrated 70 wonderful years together before her death. They had one daughter, Roxanne. A lifelong lover of music, Paul started a quartet with friends. He then organized the Pastels, a singing group composed of Butler University students. He later directed the choir at Prentice Presbyterian Church. Paul began working in advertising in 1958 and was promotion director at WIRE radio for five years. He worked in sales and promotion at WFBM TV and radio for nine years; and was vice president at the Caldwell VanRiper Advertising Agency for 10 years. Paul then started his own agency, Raikes Advertising, in Carmel, Indiana, which he ran for 23 years before retiring. At different points in his career, Paul served as president of the Indiana Federation of Ad Agencies, the Indianapolis Ad Club, and the Indiana Association of Manufacturers Representatives. He also served on the board of the Indianapolis Better Business Bureau. Paul joined the Rotary Club of Indianapolis in 1976 and had 38 years of perfect attendance. Paul also was a frequent visitor of the Rotary Club of Carmel. He was a Paul Harris Fellow, served on the Rotary Board of Directors and was recognized as Rotarian of the Year in 2014. He treasured Rotary and said, "As far as I'm concerned, it's one of the best things that ever happened to me." Paul was also a member of the Indianapolis Literacy Club and author of the book, "When It's Laughter You're After." He was a member of the IUPUI's School of Science Dean's Advisory Council and received the IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award in 2002. Paul is survived by a daughter, Roxanne (Michael) Peloza; two grandchildren, Brian (Rebecca) Peloza and Stacie (David) Zech; six great-grandchildren, Sophia Zech, Jacob Zech, Andrew Zech, Claire Peloza, Harper Peloza and Hudson Peloza. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, parents and brother. A gathering of family and friends for Paul will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Visitation is from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with a celebration of life beginning at 1:00 at Crown Hill Memorial Chapel, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, Rotary Club of Carmel, or your favorite charity in Paul's honor.