John Franklin "June" Rawlings Jr.

RICHMOND, Ind. - John Franklin Rawlings Jr. - 'June' - passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at the age of 92. A strong, independent man, John was able to live in his own home until the last 10 days of his life with minimal assistance - something that was very important to him. John was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie, five years ago, his parents, three brothers, a sister, a daughter, and a son. He is survived by his children, Linda Sue (Steve) Uphaus of Centerville, Darrell Franklin (Suzanne) Rawlings of Richmond, Gregory Lee (Jill) Rawlings of Richmond, Massachusetts, and Connie L. Rawlings of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and grandchildren, Aubrey, Marissa, Christina, John, Michael, and Chloe. John was born on January 23, 1923, in London, Kentucky, to John F. and Samantha Fouts Rawlings Sr., and at age 18 joined the U.S. Navy where he served from 1941-1947 before being honorably discharged. One of his greatest privileges during his years of service in the Navy was being on the ship that transported President Roosevelt to meet with Winston Churchill during W.W. II - a fact he shared with pride to many. He ultimately settled in Richmond, Indiana, where he resided until his death. John loved all sports, was a great basketball player, and enjoyed golf, which he played with his family members into his early 80's. He also loved music and enjoyed playing guitar. An excellent musician, John loved to play his 1957 Martin D-18 guitar and sing - and he possessed a beautiful singing voice. He was more than happy to entertain all who would listen if 'coaxed' to perform. John worked at a number of factories in Richmond but is probably best known for his work as a custodian at Rose Hamilton Elementary in Centerville, Indiana. Even after 'retiring' from the school, he returned to work part-time at Rose Hamilton for many years. John also mowed lawns in the community until the age 85 - easily identified by his old station wagons used to haul his mowers. Everyone who came in contact with John knew him to be a friendly, hard-worker - and no one was a stranger to him. John had a tremendous gift for remembering numbers, dates, and events - which memories served him well in his conversations. Always looking for the next conversation, he was very outgoing and would start up a conversation with anyone who gave him a welcoming glance. And one of his favorite conversational points was UK Basketball; in fact, all whom he crossed paths with knew that he was the #1 UK Basketball fan in the tri-state. Since leaving the Navy in 1947, John listened to, watched, or attended every UK Basketball game played. His ability to remember games, dates, and facts related to Kentucky basketball was very entertaining to all. UK games were a time for his family to gather at his home - and he called his children on game day to remind them that it was game day - encouraging all to come over for the game and spend time with him. John's family will miss these occasions to be with him greatly but take comfort in the many wonderful stories he used to tell - and the fact that these are the stories we will now tell our friends and children. A private gathering will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

John Franklin "June" Rawlings Jr.

January 23, 1923 - February 3, 2015