Rollin E Rathbun, III

Rollin E Rathbun III, 51, of Crestview Florida returned home to the Lord on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. 

Born March 29, 1969, to his parents Rollin and Gertrude, he graduated from Manville High School and joined the United States Air Force in 1987. 

In 1990 he deployed in service to his country in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.  Rollin’s last assignment with the Air Force brought him to the 96^thAMXS at Eglin AFB, where he retired in 2013 after a 26-year career proudly serving our nation. 

Rollin Rathbun married his wife Robin Shields Rathbun in August 2000 and they became proud parents of their daughter Savannah in August 2008. 

An active member of the community, Rollin joined the North Okaloosa Fire Department (NOFD) in 2001 as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).  From 2004-2008 and again 2013-2016 Rollin served on the NOFD board of commissioners.  Rollin’s passion for the fire service developed during his childhood. 

Rollin enjoyed volunteering with the Spanish Trail Boy Scout Camp and since 2007 has served primarily as camp medic but could always be counted on to fill any role needed to ensure those who attended camp had a positive experience.  In 2015 Rollin was promoted to family camp director and in 2019 was awarded the Silver Beaver award; the highest award that a council can present to a volunteer for their service. 

Rollin was an avid hockey fan and enjoyed attending the Pensacola Ice Flyers games with friends and always enjoyed bringing Savannah to games in their matching Ice Flyers jerseys. 

Those who knew Rollin best likely met and remember him from his affiliation with one or more of the many volunteer organizations which he served throughout his life.  Whether it was during his service with the Air Force, Boy Scouts, or Fire Department, his passion and legacy are one of service to both his family and community.  

Rollin Rathbun is survived by his wife of 20 years, Robin Shields Rathbun; daughter, Savannah Rathbun; mother, Gertrude Deitrick; father, Rollin (Christel) Rathbun Jr.; brothers, AJ and Christian, and many nieces and nephews. 

Services are scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2020, at 2 PM at Snow Hill Baptist Church. Rev. Greg Lowery will officiate the services.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Spanish Trail Boy Scout Camp in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, or to a GoFundMe that has been set up for his daughter, Savannah’s college education.

Townsend Brothers Funeral Home and Staff respectfully ask all in attendance to follow the social distancing guidelines set by our local health district and the CDC and masks are suggested.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rollin E Rathbun, III, please visit our floral store.