JM Rawlinson

JM Rawlinson, 89, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023. JM was born on February 13, 1933, in Cushing, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents Willie and Tinnie Rawlinson and is survived by his wife, Cleo, and two sons Jeffrey and Jamie. He grew up with seven brothers and two sisters, and maintained the most frequent communications with his younger brother Leroy. He grew up at several locations in Texas and attended Cushing High School before joining the Army in 1943. His childhood held special memories of being with his bird dog, playing basketball, and singing hymns with his family on their porch (fueling dreams of becoming a country singer). JM met his wife, Cleo, at a USO club in Seattle, Washington when JM was 24 and Cleo was 19. Although JM knew of Cleo for about a year, they married after six months of courting and moved into military housing on Fort Lawton Army Base in Seattle. From there, JM and Cleo traveled to JM's duty station in Enchon, France, where JM piloted a tug boat to escort Navy ships and barges through the local lochs. This become one of JM's favorite periods in his life, as he/Cleo explored the French culture, visited Paris, and celebrated the birth of their first son, Jeffrey. After honorably discharging from the Army, JM returned to the Dallas, Texas, area to be near family. He took positions as a welder, lumber yard worker, machine operator, forklift operator, flatbed truck driver, and railroad switchman. While living in Seagoville, Texas, JM/Cleo developed a relationship with a lady who came to their door one day; and that relationship led the both of them to be baptized and work with the Church of Christ. It was there that their second son, Jamie, was born. An employment opportunity eventually led he/Cleo back to Washington state and they eventually moved to Vancouver where he retired from the Railroad, became involved in the Hazel Dell Church of Christ, and established roots. JM taught himself to play the piano and guitar and he enjoyed singing Karaoke, golfing, and square-dancing with his wife. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at the Hazel Dell Church of Christ, and it is open to all.

JM Rawlinson

February 13, 1933 - January 31, 2023