BURTON RAKOOVER

FORT WORTH -- Burton Lee Rakoover died unexpectedly Thursday evening, July 21, 2011, early in his 73rd year. Service: Noon Tuesday in the sanctuary at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road. Following committal prayers, he will be laid to rest in the Beth-El Section of Greenwood Memorial Park. Memorials: In lieu of usual remembrances, consideration of expressions to a charity of one's choice, in his memory, is suggested. Born in Fort Worth on June 7, 1938, Burt was the son of Nat and Helen Benjamin Rakoover. After graduating from R. L. Paschal High School, Burt went to the University of Texas at Austin where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, the "Sammy's." He served in the military as a teacher and came home to join his family business, which made shoes along with his father, Nat, and brother, Mark. When the business was sold, he became a stockbroker with the Fort Worth office of Merrill Lynch where he served his clients with great regard and respect, always putting their interests first. He embodied his mother Helen's jocular humor and kindliness of spirit with an unusual quality of equanimity. If Diogenes were to come back today with his lamp to find 10 honest men, the first one he would discover would be Burt Rakoover. Not only was honesty his watchword, but his character was so fine, he made the concept of decency into something rare and beautiful. All he knew about life was giving and how to give; and he gave and gave and gave. Generous and philanthropic by nature he mentored a religious boys' group for years, he worked on the Board of Ahavath Shalom several terms. He spent many years on the board of United Way and he lovingly gave time and money to his beloved Rotary. The Friedman and Rakoover families gave TCU a first class Judaica library and the chapel at Beth-El Congregation is named for him. He always admired men and women who contributed to their communities, their families and their friends. Survivors: In addition to his wife of of 47 years, Barbara Friedman Rakoover of Fort Worth, Burt is survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Rakoover; nephew, Ron Rakoover of Austin; nieces, Clara Rakoover, also of Austin, and Laura Rakoover Peitzer of Dallas; and great-nephews and great-niece, Ben, Nathan Peitzer and Evan, Shira and Lavie Rakoover. Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals & Cremations 1500 Eighth Ave., 817-924-4233 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of BURTON RAKOOVER please visit our Sympathy Store.