John W. Rawls

Funeral services for John W. Rawls, 86, of Lufkin will be held Friday, May 13, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Larry Hinsley officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow in the Gilbert Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Rawls was born July 26, 1929 in Woodville, Texas to the late George Wilson and Johnnie Jackson Wigley Rawls and died Tuesday, May 10, 2016 in a local hospital. Mr. Rawls had resided in Lufkin since 1970. He served with the United States Marine Corps for four years and later received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma and his Masters in Church Music from Stephen F. Austin State University. He went on to teach music at Westminster College and Bible Institute for 15 years. He was the Minister of Music at several churches over the years. Mr. Rawls retired as an Insurance Agent for Mutual of Omaha. He was a member of Faith Community Ministries. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Sheryl Rawls of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Jan and David Landrum of Lufkin; granddaughters, Rhonda Wright and husband Shane of Lufkin and Lauren Maxey and husband Travis of Tyler; grandsons, Michael Rawls and wife Mallori, Ethan Landrum, and Matthew Landrum, all of Lufkin; great-grandsons, Jackson Rawls and Jase Rawls of Lufkin; caregiver and special friends, Eva and Dwain Fairchild; also a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lessie Evelyn Cox in 2015. Pallbearers will be Michael Rawls, Travis Maxey, Ethan Landrum, Shane Wright, Matthew Landrum, and Ben Watson. The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.