Lester Eugene Lawson

Our dad entered the presence of the heavenly father the day after daylight savings time began. Lester Eugene Lawson (November 1, 1937) took his last breath early in the afternoon on Monday March 14th 2022 at his home in Kokomo, IN. As most of us can relate, his body decided there really was no need for that dreaded extra hour! Lester loved humor, therefore a fitting introduction to his last mark on this world. He came from humble beginnings, born in the foothills of Eidson Tennessee to William Grady Lawson and Goldie Mae Lawson (Gilliam). He had many accomplishments we will highlight in honor to him, however, his proudest is the legacy he has left behind in his 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.

Anthony Lawson his eldest son resides in Kokomo with his lovely wife Donna. They have 4 children together. Christopher Dodd, Danny Lawson, Wendy Clements, and Chelsea Centeno. Lester loved to brag about Tony's loyalty, artistic talent, and storytelling nature. He also valued the special bond of friendship he had with his son.

His first-born daughter, who he described as beautiful, hardworking, and independent, Debbie Vianco lives in Delphi with her husband Bill. She has two children Mary P. Lee and Dakota Horn.

Sadly, Lester was preceded in death by his second daughter the funny, tough, beauty, LaShellia Schrock. LaShellia lived in Kokomo at the time she passed. She mothered two children, Ryan Schrock and Lacy Schneider.

As with LaShellia, Tim Lawson, Lester's second, son preceded him in death. Tim shared his father's love of humor and family. Both would do anything for those they loved. Tim's children are Schaira Lawson, Clint and Isaac Lawson. Tim lived in Kokomo as well when he passed.

Roger Lawson of Kokomo is Lester's youngest son. He and his wife Heidi have four children Justin Lawson, Shian Lawson, Regina Strong, and Kaytlynn Guyer. Lester looked forward to Roger's frequent visits checking in on his father in the last few years. He expressed to many how he appreciated his son's thoughtfulness.

Lester's youngest child he called his "princess". Leslie Hentgen lives in Peru with her husband Chip. He held dear the times they would spend together talking the afternoon away on his porch. He loved to cook breakfast for her any time of day. Leslie's children are Tyler and Janét Johnston.

He has three surviving brothers. Two residing in Kokomo, Darrell, and Rodney Lawson, one brother Gary Lawson in Tennessee and was preceded in death by his two sisters, Dorothy Vanwinkle and Shirley Harold.

Our dad left this world a loved man. He loved Jesus, his family, and is described as a dependable friend. He was a father figure to many. He lended a supportive hand to any who needed. Lester had the biggest heart, taking into his home quite a few friends and family who were struggling. He was also generous. He donated funds to American Indians, Feed the Children, Samaritan's Purse, Pat Robertson's Ministries, World Wildlife Fund, and countless others. If there was a need you can bet our dad would open his wallet. Lester loved good southern cookin'. The man could live off biscuits and gravy, cornbread, ham and beans with fried potatoes and some homemade beef and noodles. He hated, half cooked steak. He would say "If it's still mooing, it's not goin' on my plate!" Dad was a talented man. He could play the guitar. We loved to hear him play and sing. His favorite part of family reunions was the down home pickin' and grinin' and old country hymns his family would sing. He was also a master craftsman. He could build anything he put his mind to. He enjoyed purchasing fixer upper homes and flipping them for gain.

Of course, we as his children, didn't know him his entire life, but we heard the stories of how he was the son of a farmer, then a logger. How his father would hold his hand and carry his siblings piggyback as they walked across Clinch Mountain TN to a babysitter. We heard how he grew up in the Smoky Mountains and would pick up tobacco leaves that had fallen from the trucks to sell for a few pennies. He talked about homes with no indoor plumbing and helping his grandparents with chores on the farm.

Eventually Lester moved to Indiana in hopes of better opportunities. He earned his high school GED by working at the local bowling alley setting pins for cents on the dollar during the day and taking night school classes in the evening.

He became a jack of all trades so to speak as he held many positions over the years, heating and plumbing, building trades, and in the end, he went to journeyman school to become a pipefitter where he landed a job with GM he worked for 37 years before retiring. His pet peeve was laziness and debt. He worked hard and owed no one. He instilled these values in his children as well.

It's hard to sum up a lifetime of memories and accomplishments in a few short paragraphs. Our dad lived a full life in his 84 years. He will be greatly missed. Lester had always wished to make his way back down home to live out his final years where his roots run deep in Tennessee, however life and closeness to his children prevented the move. As a last act, to finally make it full circle, we will honor his wishes to return his ashes to Clinch Mountain TN. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Contributions are not needed. Lester would prefer you keep your hard-earned money to spend on something special you need. Please feel free to share your memories with us as tribute.