Charles Robert Rawlings

Charles Robert (Bob) Rawlings of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on December 3rd, 2014 at The Sweet Life at Grand Court. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on November 6, 1922, and lived most of his life in the Kansas City area. As a graduate of Southwest High School, 1939, he proceeded on to Kansas City University, and Finlay Engineering College. In 1942 his U.S. Congressman sponsored him as a Cadet-Midshipman to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, Long Island, New York. This led to a Bachelor of Science Degree and a commission in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant JG. In 1944 he married Beverly Guillaum at Capital University Chapel, Columbus, Ohio. They were fortunate to celebrate 69 anniversaries together.

Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Commission, and the U.S. Navy. In WWll he participated in three invasions in the Pacific. His ship, loaded with troops, was prepared for the invasion of Japan when WWll ended.

He was a former Vice-President of William S Rawlings Construction Company, Vice-President of V.S. DiCarlo Construction Company, and Contract Civil Engineer with the U.S. Postal Service. In Saudi Arabia for six years, he was Contract Project Engineer on Aramco Hospital and Dental Clinic, Civil Engineer on King Khalid Military City, and Yanbu Industrial City. His last position was Program Manager of the Capital Improvement Program for the Kansas City Missouri School District, from which he retired in 1992.

He was a former member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Association of General Contractors, the Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, and the American Military Engineers. He was a charter member of Brookridge Country Club, a member of "Friends of Art" at the Nelson Art Gallery, and a member of the Village Presbyterian Church.

As a world traveler, he visited all U.S. states and over forty countries. He enjoyed sports, was a good swimmer, played tennis, and bowled. He coached little league baseball. As a Life Scout, and in his adult years, a Scout Master, he was proud of his three sons and grandson, all Eagle Scouts. A warm and caring gentleman, with a special sense of humor, he enjoyed life?s journey. He is survived by his three sons Robert, William, David, and David?s wife Kim, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren with another one on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, his parents William S and Madge S Rawlings, and his brother James W Rawlings.

It was Charles wish to be cremated with a private family service to be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to: Children?s Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108. Attention: The Century Club