Howard Dean Rawlins

Howard Dean Rawlins, 83-year-old father, grandfather and great-grandfather, of Caney KS, died Thursday, February 22, 2024, in Bartlesville. Howard was born the son of Howard DeWitt and Buelah Fae (Cummings) Rawlins on May 3, 1940, in Liberal, KS. He graduated from Guymon High School in 1959 and went on to further his education at Northeastern A&M College in Miami. Howard met Karen Sue Vandiver at church. After some time they were united in marriage on June 1, 1962, and enjoyed 55 years of loving marriage. Once married, Karen joined Howard in Georgia where he was stationed at Fort Gordon until he was deployed to Korea and she returned home to Miami. After Howard’s honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, they made their home in Caney. Howard worked as a computer programmer at Phillips Petroleum Company from 1965 to 1991, with 26 years and nine months of faithful service. He went on to work with his son and brother-in-law as a carpenter until he decided to fully retire. On February 12, 2018, Karen preceded him in death. Howard was an avid reader and his favorite authors were Louis L’Amour and Zane Gray. He whittled and enjoyed leather work, creating and decorating belts and home décor pieces for family and friends. Car problems were no problem for Howard. He could fix just about anything. Later in life, Howard and Karen became homebodies and enjoyed spending quiet time together. They loved their grandkids and went to visit them regularly. Most of all Howard loved the Lord and his home church, the Dewey Church of Christ. He was active in the ministries of the church and enjoyed singing and leading the congregation in the great hymns of faith. His children and grandchildren remember his sense of humor and his story telling ability, oftentimes adding small fibs to make the story more entertaining for the audience. He will be greatly missed. Howard is survived three children, Kendra Sue Rawlins, Gregory Dean Rawlins and wife Karen, and Lore LeAnn Rawlins Trowell; son-in-law, Delbert Trowell; siblings, Buddy Rawlins, Larry Rawlins, Susie Williamson, Carrie Garms and Cosette Wymer; six grandchildren, Shelby and husband Jason, Blayne, Makenzie, Ethan, Madisen and Makaden; and four great-grandchildren, Oliver, Evelyn, Deshawn and Braelyn. In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents; one son Jeffrey Howard Rawlins; and one sister, Donna Campillio. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hope Harbor Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1047, Claremore, OK 74018. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Dewey Church of Christ. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Howard Dean Rawlins

May 3, 1940 - February 22, 2024