STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Dr. Christopher Ryan Raines, 29, of Centre Hall, Pa., an assistant professor of meat science and technology in the Department of Dairy and Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, died Sunday Dec. 18, 2011, as the result of an automobile accident in Centre County, Pa.
The son of Brent E. and Stephanie (Bench) Raines of Troy, Ohio, he was born on July 26, 1982, in Lawrence, Kan.
He graduated from Troy High School in 2000, and received his bachelor of science from Oklahoma State in 2004; his master’s from Kansas State in 2006; and his doctorate from Kansas State in 2008. He was involved with the livestock industry his entire life.
He was a member of the American Meat Industry Association, and a national board member for the American Red Poll Cattle Association.
Raines’ academic interests included meat color chemistry; meat product display and packaging systems; consumer demand and trends for red meat products; sustainability and meat production; and meat safety.
As an extension meat specialist, he provided educational programs and information covering meat quality, safety and compliance topics for small meat processors.
As one of the college’s pioneers in the use of social media as educational and communication tools, Raines had built a growing national reputation as an important voice in the agricultural community.
“Chris was a remarkably talented and hard-working individual with so much career promise,” said Terry Etherton, head of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science. “His untimely loss is so tragic for his colleagues, friends and family — we will miss him greatly.”
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Gregory L. Raines of Troy; maternal grandparents, Bob and Mary Bench of Lawrence, Kan.; and paternal grandmother, Marilyn K. Raines of Spring Hill, Kan. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Glenn L. Raines.
Friends may call on the family from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 28, 2011, at Baird Funeral Home, Troy, Ohio. Private family services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the GL Raines Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The American Red Poll Association, P.O. Box 847 Frankton, IN 46044. Friends may express condolences to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.
