Bob Obituary (1959

Robert J. "Bob" Rawlins, 63, of Lincoln, IL, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Bob was born on September 26, 1959, in Lincoln, the son of James R. Rawlins and Judy Wilmert. He married Gail Eimer on April 27, 1979, in Lincoln. Bob is survived by his wife, Gail Rawlins; children, Sean (Brandi) Rawlins, and Kirstin Rawlins; grandchildren, Savannah Rawlins, and Natalie Smith; mother, Judy (Jack) Woodard; one sister, Julie (Dustin) Smith; and numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James R. Rawlins. Bob was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church and was a 1977 graduate of LCHS. After graduating, Bob proudly served on The City of Lincoln Police Department. He began his long career on a lighter note where he would dress as McGruff The Crime Dog at Halloween events. He then became a D.A.R.E. officer and a K-9 officer with K-9 Samson. He then joined as a member of the ERT Team and became Chief of Police. Bob retired after 30 years of dedicated service. After retirement Bob still wanted to serve in his community and became a security guard at The Logan County Courthouse. Bob had a passion for raising emus, bonsai trees, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Above all else, Bob loved his family. Especially his grandchildren who will miss their favorite Grinch at Christmas time. A memorial mass for Bob will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Atlanta, IL. Visitation will take place Friday, March 10, 2023, from 4:00PM-7:00PM at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln. A rosary service will be held at 3:30PM prior to the visitation. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to Lincoln D.A.R.E.