Donald G. Rayls
Donald G. Rayls, 84 of rural Tipton County died on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. Don was born in Tipton County on February 28, 1937 to Ora & Ona (Rawlings) Rayls. He married Marcella Joan Bilby on April 21, 1958 and she preceded him in death on November 29, 2005 after 47 years of marriage.
Don was first and foremost a farmer, but had also worked for the Norfolk & Western Railway, later renamed Norfolk Southern Railway, doing maintenance and inspections. His career took him from Tipton to Frankfort and finally Lafayette. Prior to this Don had served in the US Army.
He was a member of the Tetersburg Christian Church and loved gardening and listening to old country music. He loved dogs and really, all animals. Don enjoyed spending time with his friends.
Survivors include one son, Terry Rayls of Kokomo; one sister, Mary Lou Walker of Sheridan; a very dear friend Neva Favors and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Don will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 6 at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Rex Dunning presiding. Don will be buried in Tetersburg Cemetery with military honors provided by the US Army and the Tipton American Legion. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to the Tipton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 237, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
So sorry for your loss.
Will miss this amazing man .My heart goes out to Terry & pray for his grief to be comforted . Such memories ,I’ll always treasure .Love you Uncle Don .
Don and Joanne were the most wonderful neighbors anyone could ever have. Don was so kind and thoughtful and always had a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Terry and the rest of the family at this difficult time. .
If you knew Don, you had a true friend. We’ll desperately miss him & his stories
Don was a great person every time I went to see him he always had a story to tell me I’ll never forget all the hours I spent talking to him listening to his stories, he always had a smile on his face and he never met a stranger my thoughts and prayers are with you Terry and family Don will be missed by all
Dear Terry and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a good, kind and generous man. I met him first as a customer when I worked at the bank, but it didn’t take long for me to consider him a friend. He was so generous to us, bringing veggies from his garden. I had planned to come to the funeral today but won’t be able to. We will be praying for you Terry and family.
With sincere sympathy, Kathleen and Don Little
Dear Terry and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a good, kind and generous man. I first knew him as a customer when I worked at the bank, but it didn’t take long to consider him a friend. He was so generous in sharing his veggies from his garden. We will be praying for you and your family. I had planned to come to the funeral today but won’t be able to come.
With sympathy,
Kathleen and Don Little
Uncle Don will be missed. Him and aunt jo were so sweet and kindhearted
A life well lived. Rest in peace Don.
I grew up in Ekin and can remember seeing Don and his wife out in the yard. They always threw up a hand in greeting as I drove by.
Years later my husband stopped when he saw the onions for sale sign. From that time on Don and my husband Sherman were friends.
Don loved to talk gardening with Sherman they shared gardening tips and secrets with each other.
I will miss seeing and talking to Don (never a quick visit), the phone calls, the stories he shared, him stopping at the garden to see how our garden was doing, his laughter, the sparkle in his eyes and his smile. We were blessed to have Don in our lives and blessed to be able to call him a friend.
Terry and the family we are so sorry for your loss.