"Your heavenly home was bought for a price, and that payment results in a title deed that can never be lost through foreclosure." ~ David Jeremiah

Good morning and welcome. It's Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and it's another day and yes, another celebration of life and homegoing service. That is the true circle of life my friend and the most important thing is for us to get ready, live ready, and leave ready. I will be headed over there in some pretty ugly weather and it is a six to seven hour journey, therefore, pray that God will give me safe travel and that He will bless all that is done and said as we meet to celebrate our dear Cleon's life. Amen.

 

Cleon with his sisters, Dorothy and Marilyn.

~ Richard Cleon Rawles Obituary

This world lost a good man when Richard Cleon Rawles, 89, of Winnsboro, left this world for his heavenly home. It has been said for many years that if any photo should be in the dictionary beside the word neighbor, Cleon's would be it. He was born in Winnsboro on August 19, 1935, to Mary Emma Stephenson Rawles, and Wilson Lee Rawles. He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on May 23, 2025. The home-going service will be held on Wednesday, May 28th, 11:00 am at Dennard First National Funeral Home, 6637 Main St, Winnsboro, LA 71295 with nephew Bro. Michael Goins officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 27th, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at the Crowville Masonic Cemetery, LA 17 & Masonic Cemetery Rd, Crowville, Louisiana 71295. Cleon will be afforded full military honors earned in his service to our country.

Cleon and his son Darrin.

Cleon was preceded in death by parents, Wilson and Mary Rawles, brother and sister-in-law, Milton and Glenda Rawles, Jewel Rawles and Dian Miller. The Rawles have always been a very close family. He leaves behind his son, Richard Darrin and wife Sharon, and grandson Alan all of West Monroe, Louisiana. Cleon's relationship with his son Darrin was a great model of how it should be. Cleon also leaves his loving sisters, Dorothy Goins Hale and husband James of Anacoco, Louisiana and Marilyn Abbott and husband Al of The Woodlands, Texas. There are other kinfolk, friends, neighbors and especially his nephews and their families who thought the world of their Uncle Cleon.


Cleon was a worker. He knew what it meant to work the earth as a farmer. He served his country in the US Army where he was entrusted in the handling of many secret and sensitive documents. He achieved the rank of Sergeant, E-5. Returning home he went back to farming and also was a rural route postal carrier for 35 years. The people on his route, many of them elderly or shut-in, loved Cleon because he went above and beyond to serve them. He was not only beloved by his family but his family revered the example he demonstrated each and every day. In summary, Cleon was honorable, a man who could be counted on. This world would be much better off today if there were more like him.


Honored to have the privilege of participating in his service, his obituary will be read by his brother-in-law since 1964, Al Abbott; those acting as pallbearers will be Byron Rawles, Chris Abbott, Rodney Abbott, Scotty Goins, Melton Brady, and Robert Williamson. Honorary pallbearers are Derek Rawles and Jimmy Abbott.


John 14:27 (Jesus speaking): "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~

 

Lord willing, I will be back home by tomorrow evening because there's always something else to get done. You do know what I mean. Right? Stay dry and remember to thank God for His goodness, His love, and His mercy. Amen.