Col. Don M. Rawls

Don M. Rawls, 90, of Gulfport, died February 16, 2012. Don was born in 1921 to the late Don and Myrtle Rawls in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Rawls Family, whose earliest roots are in South Mississippi, then moved to Lake Charles Louisiana, where he spent his youth, and where he graduated from Lake Charles High.
After 28 years of service in the Air Force, Don retired and moved his family to Gulfport in 1968, where he resided until the time of his death. He was a bomber pilot during World War II, flying many missions over Europe. Following his retirement from the military, he enjoyed another successful career as teacher, principal, and administrator with the Harrison County, Mississippi school system.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Dorothy M. Rawls, and their infant twins, Joseph and Theresa, his brother C.E. Rawls, sister Zelda Rawls Anderson and her husband, Robert Anderson, and brother-in-law, Leroy Berlin.
He is survived by his wife Alice, his sister, Janet Berlin of Lake Charles, and his children: Dr. Russell Rawls, Sr., (Diane), Dr. Rex Rawls, Donna Smith (Jack), Laurie Rawls, Ruth Morgan, and Christy Rawls, as well as 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In memory of Don and in lieu of flowers, his family would request your gift in his honor to St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport, MS 39507.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 20, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.