Eston Manard Rawson

Eston Manard Rawson, born January 14, 1917 in Prairie Grove (Schoolcraft) MI died on October 26, 2012 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. His parents were Roy Rawson and Jessie Emig. Eston shared his life with his wife, Lydia Finch, two sisters: Ellen Klein, now deceased, and Dorcas Eberstein, currently of Vicksburg and two brothers: Clyde and Arlow Rawson, also deceased. Eston is also beloved by many nephews, nieces and cousins. Before the war, Eston worked on farms and in rural communities, where his genius for building was nurtured. He also possessed an interest and intuitive understanding for electronics technology. Eventually, he put his technical expertise into communications for the Bell Telephone Company. But, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Eston enlisted in the Army. He continued working in communications by serving in the Signal Corp in North Africa, France, Germany and Sicily. Eston married his sweetheart, Lydia Finch, in 1946. They resided first in Vicksburg, where he owned and operated a Saw Mill while again working for Michigan Bell. However, once again Eston's devotion to his country brought him to service in another war; the Cold War. In 1954, the United States Government, in partnership with the governments of Canada and Greenland, contracted with Bell Telephone to construct an early warning radar system in the Arctic Circle. Eston agreed to help install the Distant Early Warning System, or DEW Line. The DEW Line was a system of radar installations across the Arctic Circle, set up to detect potential incoming Soviet bombers during the Cold War. Eston lived and worked in the Arctic Circle for a year. In 1967, Eston and Lydia purchased the King Flour Mill, in Leonidas, and spent the rest of their lives restoring the Mill and sharing the property with the residents of St. Joseph County. After retiring from Michigan Bell in 1975, Eston and Lydia worked together to restore the Mill to its former beauty, and added rock walls and gardens which embraced the islands and grounds. Eston also adapted the water powered mill to generate electricity which provided their electric power. In 1991, Eston and Lydia gifted the Mill and 4 acre garden property with two islands to St .Joseph County as Rawson King Mill Park so that all could enjoy the beauty they had created. Eston greatly enjoyed working with wood and furniture, and he gave his wood creations to many. He also was a master stone worker, builder, and electric technician. His amazing life story was exemplified by hard work, service to his Country, and love of his family. All who were privileged to know him and love him were blessed by his quiet manner, kindness, courage and generosity. . The family expresses their deep gratitude to the staff of Rose Arbor Hospice for the compassionate and professional care they provided Eston and his loved ones. Eston requested no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Joseph County Parks Dept; Rawson King Mill Park or Rose Arbor Hospice is greatly appreciated