William Arthur Rawls

Funeral services for William Arthur Rawls, of Van Alstyne, Texas, were held at 10 a.m. Sept. 24, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hugo. William passed away Sept. 21, 2021, at the age of 58.

On March 2, 1963 in Hugo, Okla., the circus capital of the world, “Bill” was born to Harry Edward and Mary Lucille (Frazier) Rawls. He was the baby of the family and had seven older siblings. The Rawls family was the quintessential circus family. Bill was raised while traveling the country, living his heritage and learning the greatness of being an American. As only one with sawdust in their veins would understand, he grew up fast, learning the importance of family and the skills necessary to be a jack of all trades. During his circus career he was a performer, concessionaire, ringmaster and circus manager, but that was not all. No mountain was too tall, his natural artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit were always a driving force in his life. Bill owned a sign shop and always had a sketch book nearby. The last 10 years, after earning a degree he worked in the medical industry for the elderly. He was always up to a challenge and had a willingness to try new things. Bill had just graduated from dealers’ school and was going to embark on yet another career as a dealer in the casino industry. He had three great loves in his life, his son Devin William Rawls; Oklahoma Sooners’ Football and America, the Fourth of July was his favorite holiday. Bill cried when he and some friends were in Canada during the 1976 Bicentennial.

Bill lives on in the memories of his friends and family. They all agree that he was unquestionably the most talented and honest person you ever could have known. Sometimes quiet, but always thinking, full of advice, but helpful and smart. He was funny, kind and loving and just by watching him go about his daily life, one would not suspect the depths of his dreams and accomplishments.

On Monday, Sept. 22, 2021, at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas, surrounded by his family and loved ones, William was called by our Lord. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We will all miss Bill, friend, brother, father, in the now, but look with great faith to the future!

William is survived by his beloved son, Devin William Rawls of Durant, Okla.; brothers: David Rawls of Hugo, Okla., Bobby Rawls of Mead, Okla., Chris Rawls of Mead, and Michael Rawls of Durant; sisters: Margie Reece of Calera, Okla., Susan Stanton of Houston, Texas, and Kathi Rawls Dale of Norman, Okla.; lifelong friend, John Frazier of Van Alstyne, Texas, along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Interment followed the service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hugo with Father Todd Nance officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.