Donald Everett Raulerson

DONALD EVERETT RAULERSON, SR. Donald Everett Raulerson, Sr., 82 years young, was called into the loving and healing arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of February 15, 2013. Donald succumbed to a rapid onset of cancer. At Donald""s side in his home were his immediate family, his wife of 62 years, Ann Brown Raulerson, his son Donald E. Raulerson, Jr., and his daughters Marsha Raulerson and Deborah Gackenback. He was born on July 8th, 1930 in Lakeland, FL. As a young lad, Donald herded cattle across the plains of the Green Swamp, and across the state of Florida, roping cattle and eating ""hard tack"" by the cook wagon. He was a true ""Florida Cracker"" and his stories from those days are family treasures. Donald""s first career was in the USAF where he served in North Africa, England, Del Rio, TX, Tucson, AZ, Goose Bay Labrador, Canada, and Warner Robbins, GA. He retired from active duty in 1969. He then became a logger and carpenter/master builder, and worked as a Site Superintendent for Venture Construction Company for many years. Donald was proceeded in death by his Parents, Doris L. Raulerson and Samuel L. Raulerson. He is survived by his loving wife Ann Brown Raulerson, son Donald E. Raulerson Jr. (Judy) of Lakeland, daughters Marsha Raulerson of Lakeland, Deborah Gackenback (John) of Sanford and sister Merlene Stalvey of Lakeland. Surviving adult grandchildren include John Robert Gackenback, and Lance Gackenback of Sanford, FL, Christina Cullipher Petty of Lakeland, FL, and Dr. Berkely Olvera (Toby) of Flagstaff, Az. Special mention to ""adopted granddaughter"" Amanda Lynn Carridad Ruiz. Donald E. Raulerson Sr. was a kind, gentle, considerate, loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, friendly, strong and courageous, and quite simply put was the very essence of what a man should strive to be. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 18, 2013 at 10 am at Bethal Baptist, 3125 Socrum Loop Road West, Lakeland, FL, with a service to follow at 11 am. Interment at Socrum Cemetery. Service: 02/18/2013 Bethal Baptist Church 3125 Socrum Loop Road West, Lakeland, FL Bethal Baptist Church Visitation: 02/18/2013 Bethal Baptist Church