Joseph A. Rawson, 87, of 725 W. 35th Street, Marion, passed away at 10:06 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2006. at Marion General Hospital in Marion. Mr Rawson was born in Charleston, W.Va., on Feb. 2, 1919, to Robert T. and Laura M. Counts Rawson. Later he came to Indiana and lived in Flora, prior to moving to Gas City.

He married Thelma Flora on April 9, 1964, in Otterbein and she preceded him in death on March 19, 1995.

He was a Marine, serving in World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

He retired from Anaconda Wire and Cable in Marion.

Mr. Rawson was a member of the Mier Community Church in Mier, near Converse.

Surviving are one daughter, Nancy Rawson Curatolo of Charleston, W.Va.; one son, Joe Rawson; two step-daughters, Bernadene Cox of Indianapolis and Marilyn (Carter) Clifton of Orlando, Fla.; one stepson, Dwight Patrick (wife: Madonna) of Danville; one brother, C.W. Rawson of Charleston, W.Va.; one sister, Margaret Sample of Ocala, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

His first wife, Mary Elizabeth Kayser Rawson, also preceded him in death, along with three sisters and two brothers.

Services were held Tuesday at Mier Community Church. Officiating the service was Pastor L. Michael Wilson. Burial followed at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Flora with military graveside rites.