Asst. Chief Ronald Rawlinson

Ronald was born to Ira and Thelma (Graham) Rawlinson April 29th, 1940 in Montgomery, Alabama. He had 5 brothers and 2 sisters. During his childhood his family moved to Mississippi and then to Louisiana where he graduated from West Jefferson High School in Harvey, LA. After graduating he joined the U.S. Air Force where he found his love of policing as an Air Police. He spent his time in the service stationed at Dyes AFB in Abilene, TX, Eielson AFB in Fairbanks, AK, and at the northernmost base, Thule AFB in Thule, Greenland. While stationed in Texas, he was introduced to the love of his life, Carolyn, and they married prior to him being sent to Thule. After the Air Force, he joined the Garland Police Department as a patrol officer where he moved up the ranks to Assistant Chief before retiring in January of 1991.

Ronald and Carolyn raised their 3 children, Ellen, Donna, and James in Garland. He loved playing golf and participated in several of the Police Olympic games. He also loved rooting for (and yelling at) the Dallas Cowboys. He was a longtime season ticket holder at both the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium. After retirement, he and Carolyn moved to Hot Springs Village, AR where he played golf nearly every day and they found their church home at Glazier Peau Missionary Baptist Church.

Ronald is survived by Donna Delhagen, daughter; James Rawlinson, son; Aaron Cole (Carrie), Ellen’s son, Matthew Delhagen (Elizabeth), Donna’s son, Heather Bryant (Devon), Donna’s daughter, Timothy Delhagen, Donna’s son; 10 great-grandkids, several siblings, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Thelma and Ira, his wife, Carolyn, his daughter, Ellen, and 4 of his siblings.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Rawlinson family.