Jerome Andrew Rawls

Jerome “Jerry” Andrew Rawls, 75, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away on January 5, 2018, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jerry was born on January 15, 1942, in Fairfield, Illinois to the late Homer “Andy” and Mary (Gaston) Rawls.

He graduated from Fairfield Community High School in 1960, before attending Dwyer School of Business in Indianapolis, IN. He began his career in the sales division at Rough Notes Insurance before joining Mayflower Moving Company in their claims department. After some time in the U.S. Army Reserves, Jerry went on to serve as a Claims Representative for Gulf Insurance Company and General Accident Insurance Company in Fort Wayne, IN, before transferring to Newburgh, IN, to work as a long-time Claims Manager with Auto Owners Insurance.

On July 3, 1965, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Sandra (Sandy) Duke Rawls, and they raised three children together. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Jerry was also an avid billiards player, classic car collector, fisherman and NASCAR racing fan. He and Sandy have been active in the community, serving as volunteers at Deaconess Gateway Hospital for the past 11 years and long-time members of United Methodist Church in Newburgh. Jerry was also an active volunteer with the church’s food pantry for many years. But most of all, Jerry loved to spend time with his wife country western dancing (and teaching), traveling the country and socializing with friends near and far.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Roy and Darlene Duke, of Fairfield, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy and their three children; Jodi Murphy (Marc) of Westfield, IN, Brad Rawls (Brooke) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Staci Rawls (Melissa) of Louisville, KY; four grandchildren, Eli and Ella Murphy of Westfield, IN, Silas and Maeve Rawls of Colorado Springs, CO; twin brother, Jim Rawls; and sisters, Donna Tuttle, and Randi Riester.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Andrea Jester, Dr. Yousef Altowaireb, and the staff at Deaconess Hospitals, as well as Linda White and the wonderful employees and volunteers at the Linda E. White Hospice House.

Friends may visit 2:00 PM until service time at 4:00 PM on Monday, January 8, 2018, at Newburgh United Methodist Church, 4178 Indiana 261, Newburgh, IN. The service will be officiated by Rev. Chris Nunley with a graveside service 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Deaconess Foundation for the Linda E. White Hospice House, 600 Mary Street, Evansville, IN 47747.