Ronald D. Rainwater

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Ronald D. Rainwater, 80, of Carlsbad, NM passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Carlsbad Medical Center. Ronald was born on October 7, 1943, in Artesia, NM to Sterling and Maggie Rainwater.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service is scheduled for 10:00 AM Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Carlsbad Cemetery with Pastor Gary Davis officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of making arrangements.

After high school, Ronald joined the United States Air Force, and faithfully served several years during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, he came back to Carlsbad and started working at the Living Desert State Park during its formative years. He was able to help on the ground work in getting the State Park up and running. He would always bring some kind of animal home with him, keeping his family guessing who would be visiting. Ronald loved woodworking, scrolling intricate projects, drinking his iced tea, being strong willed, and caring for his Siamese cats. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed.   

Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Sterling Rainwater; mother, Maggie (Younger) Rainwater; wife, Margie Rainwater; son, Jerry Croley; great grandson, Caleb Rainwater; two brothers, Stanley Rainwater, and twin Don Rainwater; and 3 sisters, Winnie Stockton, Marlene Weisheit, and Sue Rupe.

Ronald is survived by his five children: Donna Kaye Padgett of Texas; Lawrence Rainwater and wife, Anita of Carlsbad, NM; Ronald D. Rainwater, Jr and wife, Kim of Carlsbad, NM; Kathy Pyeatt and husband, Kenny of Wisconsin; and Lance Rainwater and wife, Sherry of Carlsbad, NM; nineteen grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; sister, Tempi Rainwater Cline of Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com