Jack Rawson

Jack Rawson, 92, a native Texan and longtime resident of Austin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026, held in the love of the family he cherished.

Jack was born on February 17, 1934, at his parents’ home in Blooming Grove, Texas, to Henderson Rawson and Ruth Swofford Rawson. He grew up during the Great Depression years, a season that shaped his toughness, discipline, and deep sense of responsibility. Even in the face of financial hardship, he excelled academically, graduating from Corsicana High School in 1951 at the age of 17 as valedictorian of his class.

That same determination carried him forward into adulthood. Jack earned a scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, hitchhiked to Austin, found a boarding house, supported himself through work, and began building the life that would define him. He later graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology.

In February 1953, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy and completed basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. He later trained as a Hospital Corpsman at the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School at Great Lakes, Illinois, where he graduated at the top of his class. It was also during that season that he met Velma Jane Conklin, a fellow student who would become the love of his life. For Jack, it was love at first sight, and he proposed on their first date. Jack received his honorable discharge in January 1957.

Jack and Velma were married for 62 years. Their life together was adventurous, devoted, and marked by an inseparable bond. They loved traveling across the country, visiting many of the National Parks, running, hiking, riding bikes, and sharing life side by side. They were completely committed to one another, and their devotion became one of the defining marks of Jack’s life.

Jack spent his professional career with the U.S. Department of the Interior at the U.S. Geological Survey in Austin, Texas, where he served from 1959 until his retirement in 1989. As a chemist and hydrologist, he helped direct the collection and analysis of water resources data across Texas, including surface water, groundwater, and water quality data. During his distinguished 30-year career, he rose to Associate District Chief of the Texas District and authored or contributed to more than 50 scientific books and papers related to the water resources of Texas. His work reflected the same intellect, precision, discipline, and commitment to excellence that marked the rest of his life.

Jack was a devoted Christian and longtime church member, worshiping at Memorial United Methodist Church and Riverbend Church in Austin.

To his family, Jack was the ultimate provider. He was protective, deeply loyal, disciplined, and determined that the people he loved would be secure and successful. He was reserved, intense, practical, and competitive, but he was also deeply sentimental. He could spend hours searching through Hallmark cards to find just the right words for the occasion, and he would often shed a tear reading them, even though he was not a man who outwardly showed such emotion.

Jack was especially devoted to his grandchildren. He was their teacher, coach, encourager, and faithful presence. He showed up for their academic and athletic events, cheered them on, and instilled in them a desire for excellence. One of the lessons he lived and passed on was simple: if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Gina Butcher, and daughter-in-law, Teri Eubank; and by his son, Brian Rawson, and daughter-in-law, Carol Rawson. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brianne Butcher; Brittney Simmons and her husband, Trevor Simmons; Luke Rawson and his husband, Ronnie LeBert; Justin Rawson and his wife, Tori Rawson; and Will Rawson. Jack is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Scarlett Simmons, Violet Simmons, and Henry Simmons, with another great-granddaughter Rawson expected soon, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Velma Rawson; his parents, Henderson Rawson and Ruth Swofford Rawson; and his sister, Darline Whatley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Smith Family Chapel, 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, Texas 78746. Jack’s son, Pastor Brian Rawson, will officiate. A family interment will follow immediately at Remembrance Memorial Gardens at Smith Family Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the Rawson family requests contributions be made to Austin Blessings Co-op, a ministry close to their hearts that serves vulnerable neighbors throughout Austin.

Jack lived a life marked by toughness, discipline, devotion, and love. He provided faithfully, worked diligently, and carried his family with strength. He often said, “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.” That simple motto reflected what mattered most to him: family, faithfulness, and the life he built with Velma. After years of missing her, Jack is now home with the Lord and together with the wife he loved so deeply.