Leo Robert “Budge” Rawlins, Jr. of Perryton, Texas passed from this life on Thursday, April 9, 2026 in Perryton, Texas. Viewing will be Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Perryton. The family will receive visitors Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held Monday, April 13, 2026 at Ochiltree Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Doug Rawlins. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, Inc. of Perryton, Texas.

An eulogy for a great life — the American Dream lived right here in Perryton, Texas.

“Budge” Rawlins — Robert Leo Rawlins, Jr. — was the definition of hard work, grit, and building something from nothing.

He was an owner and operator of Lon’s Welding and multiple other businesses for over 50 years. But his story didn’t start there, it started humbly.

In 1950, his family relocated from Gordonville, Texas to Borger, Texas, where he finished elementary school. Around 1960, they moved again to Perryton for work. Budge later earned his GED in 1964—but as he would say many times in life, that piece of paper didn’t define him.

That same year, 1964, he married Mary Jane. And in March of 1965, Doug was born. His first job was working for his farming grandfather, out in the fields for a dollar a day. And if you knew Budge, that makes perfect sense—because he always loved to work. Hard work wasn’t something he learned… it was just who he was.

After getting married, he took a job with the General Telephone Company, while welding on the side. He was always building something more.

In 1971, Budge was drafted and joined the Air Force. He put in a request to stay close to home, but like many who’ve served now, the government had other plans. He was stationed in Limestone, Maine, for nearly two years. After his service, he returned home and went to work with his brother Lonnie and cousin at Lon’s Welding.

After Lonnie’s passing in 1973, Budge carried that dream forward. He would later say he was proof that Lon’s Welding was the American Dream—from an idea to a business, built through hard work and determination.

He loved life. He loved going out, being around people, and enjoying himself. Whether it was a night on the town, a great steak at a nice restaurant, or just getting out in general—he made sure he looked sharp and smelled good doing it.

In the 70s and 80s, he spent a lot of time in the mountains, both summer and winter. He loved to ski and took many trips—even going along with church youth groups.

In the mid-1980s, Gwen and Colt came into his life, and later Cameron in 1987.

He also developed a deep love for returning to Texoma where he grew up. Fishing trips became a favorite—especially striper fishing.

Budge worked in just about every area you could imagine—driving big trucks, tractors, trailers, farming, running heavy equipment, and working pipeline jobs. He knew how to work, and he knew how to make money.

But if there was one thing he truly loved, it was making a deal.

Whether it was real estate, equipment, or a vehicle, Budge loved negotiating. He always believed he was getting a great deal—and most of the time, he probably was. That was just part of who he was.

He was a proud man. Proud of his family, and especially proud to see his kids and grandkids working hard, competing, and excelling. From football, basketball, track, and baseball, to stock shows and showing horses—he was supporting and beaming with pride.

And later in life, he found love again when he married Sharron. Together, they were able to slow down just enough to enjoy life and “smell a few roses” before her passing. That time meant a lot to him.

Budge said many times to Doug, “We have a great life, and I have a GED.”

And that right there tells you everything you need to know about him. He didn’t measure success by degrees or titles. He measured it by hard work, by providing for his family, by the life he built, and the people he loved.

From working in a field for a dollar a day… to running businesses for over 50 years… to raising a strong, hardworking family—Budge lived out the American dream.

He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, pride, and love for family.

If you knew Budge, you knew a man who didn’t quit, didn’t back down, and didn’t waste time. He showed us how to work hard, live fully, and take pride in everything we do.

That’s not just a good life.

That’s a great one.