Donald “Donnie” Orson Rawlins, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
He was born on May 5, 1944, in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. Donnie spent his childhood in Canada but had an adventurous soul and attended college in California and Arizona. Though he loved the Arizona desert, he decided to return home to Ontario to continue his education. Upon returning, he met the love of his life, Laura Jeanne Arthur, and they wed 6 months later, on December 10th , 1966. In 1968, they had a daughter, Tana, and in 1977 he went west once more, this time with his family, to make Arizona their permanent home.
Donnie had numerous careers which included owning a construction company, printing business, commercial HVAC business, and a vinyl sign company. He was truly a jack of all trades, and he mastered them all. He could fix or build anything from the ground up, whether it was a home, car, motorcycle, you name it. But what he will be known for best, is the loving and devoted caregiver he was to his wife Jeanne after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2012, until her death in 2018.
He was passionate about Harley Davidsons, cars, and music. Donnie’s favorite piano music to play was ragtime. He would also play the guitar and harmonica to entertain his family and was almost always whistling. The home was filled with music and he and Jeanne could be found dancing around the living room to songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. He built numerous custom Harleys for Jeanne and himself. They loved to ride and had a large group of lifelong biking friends. He loved Jesus and was a member of Faith Bible Church in Glendale, Arizona for many years. In 2022, he moved to Kansas to be closer to his daughter and grandson. There he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and going out to dinner, mostly Olive Garden – his favorite, and any place that served good chicken wings. He was a people person and loved by everyone he met.
He is survived by his daughter, Tana Prideaux and George of Sterling, KS, and his grandson, Michael Rawlins “Rawley” Dinges of Sterling, KS.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Jeanne, his parents, Edna & Don Rawlins, Sr., his 2 sisters, Catherine and Gilberta, and his son-in-law, Michael Francis Dinges.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will take place in Arizona at a later date.
Arrangements and care entrusted to Hutchinson Funeral Chapel & Crematory.