Richard D. "Don" Rawlings, age 83, died Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Lake West Hospital, Willoughby, Ohio.

Don was born in Marietta, Ohio on July 15, 1931 the son of Richard and Mabel (Greathouse) Rawlings. He was a 1950 graduate of Conneaut High School.

Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served his country during the Korean War, until he was honorably discharged. Don worked two full time jobs, during the day he worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier and then went to his second full time job at the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad as a brakeman. Following his retirement from the post office and railroad, he went back to work at various ports in the maintenance department repairing steamships and freighter's during the winter months.

Don was a member of Corpus Christi Parish, attending St. Frances Cabrini Church. He also was a member of the American Legion Cowle Post 151 and former member of the Monroe Athletic Club. For many years, Don loved camping with his family at Blue Bell.

He enjoyed sports, bowling and playing softball. Don played on the former Gary's Delicatessen slow-pitch team with his son and son-in-law. Don enjoyed gardening, canning tomatoes and especially making pizza. He loved spending time with his family, children and grandchildren and attending their activities.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy (Gustaferro) Rawlings, son, Don Rawlings (2013) a sister Maxine Caldwell and a brother Raymond Rawlings.

He is survived by a daughter, Debbie and Paul Nicholson of Edmond, Oklahoma, a son, Ron Rawlings of Alexandria, Virginia, a daughter, Robin and Brian Oatman of Conneaut, daughter-in-law, Charlotte Rawlings of Garland, Texas, nine grandchildren , five great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and his dog "Bruce".

Calling hours will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2014 at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Funeral services will be held on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Route 20, Conneaut, where the American Legion Honor Squad will conduct military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Parish. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Service Date: October 12, 2014

CALLINGS HOURS WILL BE SUN., OCT. 12 FROM 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 Service Information