Jack Eugene Rawley, 70, of Tonasket died Saturday June 1, 2013 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. He was born October 2, 1942 in Placerville, Calif. to his parents John and Gladys Rawley. After the age of four his family moved to Tonasket where he resided until his death.
After graduation Jack volunteered for the Army in 1961. He served in Germany as a guard in the Demilitarized Zone. He married Faye Childress in 1964. Jack worked for Smith & Nelson Packing Warehouse, then Jack followed in his Father’s footsteps working for North Central Washington Rural Telephone Exchange Corp. later known as CONTEL Telephone Company. He was a lineman and Department Engineer. Jack retired with a medical disability in 1984.
Jack loved Tonasket and was well-known in the community for his self-sacrificing spirit. No one was a stranger to Jack as he would help anyone who had a need. He took pride in his yard and his beautiful garden. He was a life time member of the Tonasket Eagles Lodge No. 3002 F.O.E, president and manager of the Club. He worked hard to build up the membership and was well-known for being the “King of the Bingo callers” and he oversaw the Eagles sponsored Tonasket Rodeo Beer Garden.
Jack loved to dance and sing Karoake with his friends. He especially loved country music. Jack was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, the Shriners and had the honor of having a military plaque at the U.S. Armed Forces Memorial Legacy Park in Tonasket. He loved old telephones and had a collection of phone memorabilia. Jack loved hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren teaching them life-long lessons about respect for the environment and people. In 1997 Jack married Alice Lashbrook.
He is survived by his three children Sherri (Jeff) Bosch of Anacortes; Richard (Geri) Rawley Tonasket; Jackie (Mike) Guillmette E. Wenatchee; Alice Rawley Tonasket. Siblings Wayne Rawley Riverside; Stan (Elsie) Rawley Coulee Dam; Dennis (Rose) Rawley Tonasket; Dale Rawley Oroville; Judy (Roger) Paine Spokane; Sue (Ellson) Miller E. Wenatchee, Brenda “Sam” (Randy) Riggan Forks; Wendy “Charlie” Bitton Connell; Grandchildren: Mirissa, Alex, Adam Bosch, Kayla Sasse, John Rawley, Dylan and Jocelynn Guilmette and Great- Grandchildren: Dakota Clough and Gunner Sasse and numerous nieces and nephews. Also Jane McKnight (Mike), Jeannie (John) Eriksen, Tina Swanson, Fred McKnight, Bob McKnight, James (Linda) McKnight, Bill McKnight.
Jack was proceded in death by his parents John & Gladys Rawley, an infant grandson Taylor Rawley and infant great-niece Rachel Rawley.
A celebration of his life his life will be held at the Tonasket Eagles on Saturday, June 8 at 11 a.m. with Leon Alden officiating. A luncheon will be provided by the Tonasket Lady’s Eagles Auxiliary.
Medcure is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack’s name to the Tonasket Eagles Scholarship Fund or the U.S. Armed Forces Legacy Park in Tonasket.
