Don Rawls passed peacefully at home from this life with his loving daughter at his side at home on January 13, 2026. He was born July 26, 1934 in Dewitt, Arkansas.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey Rawls and Katherine Martin Taylor; his beloved wife, Barbara Rawls; his son, Kevin Rawls; and his brother, Martin McSwain (Pat).

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Rice (Don); his sister, Byrdie McSwain; his brother, Gordon Taylor (Linda); his nieces, Peggy Gruendl, Mandy McSwain, Lisa Olsen, and Lori Taylor; his nephew, Beau McSwain; and a host of grandnieces and cousins.

Don lost his father at the age of three and learned quickly how to adapt to life's hardships. He was the oldest of four children and took his family birth order role seriously.

Don joined the Navy immediately after high school and served as a hospital corpsman. This role led to him working with the Marines as well. The Military matched his pay with an allotment which he graciously and without a thought had sent to his single mother to assist in caring for his younger siblings.

Upon returning home from the Military, Don met the love of his life Barbara on a blind date. They were happily married for 62 years.

Don had several jobs over the years which included the Arkansas Gazette, Pfeifer Plumbing and Heating, and Mutual of Omaha Insurance. In 1999, he retired from Pleasant Hills Retirement Center where he worked as the head of Maintenance for many years.

Don was truly talented in many trades such as plumbing, heating and air, and auto repair. If something was broken, Don knew how to fix it.

Don was a man of few words, but his gift was helping others. He generously gave his time without hesitation to assist family, friends and neighbors in repairing anything that needed to be handled. His dry sense of humor and giving heart will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 31st at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Little Rock - 62 Pleasant Valley Road.

Smith Little Rock Funeral Home

8801 Knoedl Ct, Little Rock, AR 72205 501-224-2200

www.SmithFamilyCares.com