WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Garry Lee Rawlings, age 87, of Howe, Indiana passed away unexpectedly late Monday evening, December 25, 2023 at his home.
He was born January 7, 1936 in Jacksonville, Illinois son of the late John and Gertrude (Oxley) Rawlings.
Garry resided in Howe since 1981 coming from Sturgis where he lived for many years. His early life was spent in Franklin, Illinois where he was a graduate of Franklin High School with the class of 1953. After graduation he joined the U.S. Force serving from January 12, 1954 to September 19, 1957 and earning the rank of S/Sgt. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force he furthered his education at Indiana University where he earned a Bachelor degree in Business Management.
Garry retired from Parkway Distribution Center in Wakarusa, Indiana following several years of dedicated employment. At the time of his retirement he held the position of Executive Vice President. Prior to joining Parkway he had been employed as a manager of Marketing and Sales at Duo Therm Division of Motor Wheel Corporation in LaGrange for over 20 years.
He attended the Lima United Methodist Church and held memberships in B.P.O. Elks #1381 and Meridian Sun-Eagle Lodge #49 F&AM both in Sturgis and the National Rifle Association.
Garry was a tinkerer and seemed to always have a project or two that he was working on. Following his retirement he started a deck building and installation business. He loved times working alongside his sons, with Bryan it was flipping homes and with Garrick it was traveling out west to work on horse ranches. He enjoyed caring for his home, landscaping, and had a love and passion for the game of golf.
He is survived by his sons: Bryan Rawlings of Sturgis and Garrick Rawlings of Los Angeles, grandchildren: Jonathan Sicard currently serving in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas and Kaysee Shuler of Bronson; brother: Richard (Linda) Rawlings of Champaigne, Illinois.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 Monday, January 15th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Private interment and graveside services will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Howe where full military honors will be conferred by LaGrange American Legion Post #215 Color Guard and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Rawlings’ memory consider the Sturgis Community Foundation, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839 or the LaGrange County Community Foundation 045 N 250 W, Lagrange, IN 46761
We encourage relatives and friends to share memory and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
