John "Big John" R Rawalt

John "Big John" R Rawalt, born on September 18, 1968, and passing away on March 21, 2026, in Gulfport, Mississippi, was a man whose presence was as vast and commanding as the nickname he carried. In the quiet hum of servers and the glow of computer screens at Coastal Family Health Center, Big John carved out a life marked by devotion to his craft, serving as an IT Technician with a mastery honed over decades. His journey began humbly, graduating from high school and blossoming into a figure who embraced technology not just as a career, but as a canvas for his relentless spirit.

Beyond his technical expertise, Big John found joy in the simple and profound pleasures of life. He was a fervent gamer, often losing himself in the immersive realms of World of Warcraft alongside his friends, where camaraderie and strategy kept his wit sharp. Music flowed through his veins, with no genre left unexplored, a soundtrack to his days that punctuated conversations about anything and everything under the sun. His laughter was infectious—a beacon for those around him, providing comfort and levity.

In the kitchen, Big John enjoyed crafting dishes with care and savoring the fruits of his labor with a cold beer in hand, celebrating life's flavors and moments shared with loved ones. His zest for good food and good company underscored a life lived vividly, with warmth and connection at its core.

Though his parents, Melodie and Dewey Durst, have passed on, Big John's legacy lives robustly through his family who remain by his side. His wife of five years, Rachel Lacoste, stood as his partner and rock, weaving their lives together through love and understanding. His children, Melissa M. Mastro and John R. Rawalt, Jr., carry forward his laughter and wisdom, embodying the spirit that defined him. His siblings, Jerri Losser and Christie Corley, share memories and bonds forged in the crucible of childhood. Grandchildren Marley Mastro, Amaralis Mastro, and Boa Mastro add new light to his lineage, a vibrant testament to the enduring impact of Big John’s life.

Among his proudest accomplishments was the nearly lifelong mastery of computers—a pursuit of knowledge and skill that shaped every day and every connection he made. His legacy is not only coded in the digital domain he nurtured but etched deeply into the hearts of those who knew him.

John "Big John" R Rawalt leaves behind a world shaped subtly yet indelibly by his presence: a constellation of laughter, love, resilience, and unyielding independence. He faced life's shifting tides with a warrior’s spirit—hopeful, discontent, and always moving forward. In this, and all else, he remains unforgettable.

His mind was not for rent, to any god or government, always hopeful yet discontent, he knew most changes aren't permanent, but change is. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, Mississippi, is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Please feel free to share condolences and memories at www.riemannfamily.com