Rufus Delowell Launius

Rufus Delowell Launius, also known as Dad, Daddy, Papaw D, Pa, R.D. and Brother in Law, age 92 of Mount Ida, departed this life September 21, 2025 surrounded by his children in Monticello, AR.

He was born December 12, 1932 in Holly Springs, AR to John Allen & Katie Vesner Launius.  On November 6, 1954 he married the love of his life Geniece Gill.  They celebrated 58 wonderful, loving years together, camping, hunting, fishing and traveling to see and visit family.

Delowell served in the U.S Air Force four years during the Korean Conflict as a weather observer. He graduated from AR A&M (UAM) with B.S. in Forestry.   Delowell worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 28 years, retiring as District Ranger in Hector, AR.  He worked on National Forests in MS, GA, NC and AR.  He served as Fire Boss on several large forest fires in California.

Delowell was preceded in death by his parents, wife Geniece and granddaughter, Tricia Crawford.

He is survived by his four children; Mary Inman (Kelley) of Russellville, Gene Launius (Shelly) of Monticello, Kay Tepera (James) of Conroe, TX and John Launius (Christy) of Van Buren.  Two siblings; brothers Norvell Launius (Janelle) and Arville Launius of Pine Bluff; sisters in law Carrie Stutts and Neda Gill, both of TX.  Eleven grandchildren, Eighteen great-grandchildren and Three great-great grandchildren.  Along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Dad, Papaw, Papaw D, Pa & Brother in Law taught his sons, daughters, grandsons, and brothers in law how to hunt large and small game as well as catch bass and crappie.  He prided himself to be an expert marksman with many "one shots" and taught his sons and grandsons how to do the same.

For entertainment he taught family members how to play dominoes.  He was known for his whistling and taught the great-grands how to whistle.  He loved to tell stories about his life and every story was a teaching lesson to those listeners whether it was a hunting, fishing, or how to navigate life's story.

Visitation will be Monday September 29, 2025 from 5-7 at Russellville Family Funeral.  His service will be at 10am on Tuesday September 30, 2025 at the funeral home with private burial in Little Fir Cemetery at Mount Ida.

Obituary and online guestbook are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations are made to Shriners Hospital. www.donate.shrinerschildrens.org (St. Louis)  attached email will be Christy.Launius@gmail.com for family comments.