R. Stephen Raacke of Hammond, LA, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023 at his home. He was born October 29, 1942 in Amite, LA to Heloise Ellis Raacke and Norbert E. Raacke. As a young man he worked for Boh Brothers Construction and was proud that he drove some of the piling for the New Orleans Superdome and One Shell Square. Later he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a police officer when he joined the Hammond Police Department. HPD sent him to the FBI Academy to further his law enforcement education and training. Throughout his career he worked with various agencies on the Local, State and Federal level. He retired as a Lieutenant. After retirement he worked 12 years for the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner's Office. He then fulfilled another dream by moving to Middle Tennessee to manage a 230 acre horse farm where he loved working outdoors with the horses in the beauty of the Tennessee foothills which stirred his soul. After 12 years of management he moved back home to Tangipahoa Parish to be near his family and friends. He is survived by his favorite wife of over 35 years Penny Lyons Raacke, his son James Raacke (Tammy), of Littleton, Colorado and his daughter Ginger Raacke McKinney (Jeff), of Ponchatoula, La., his brother Norbert E. “Tippy” Raacke, Jr. of New Orleans, La., five grandchildren and passel of great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Clinton Stephen Raacke. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.