Jerome E. Lawson

Born on November 1, 1932, in Corbin, KY to the late C.D. and Gladys Root Lawson. Jerome was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stuart C. Lawson. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Martha; along with one daughter, Sarah Lawson O'Neal (Michael) of Campbellsville, KY; and the following grandchildren, Dr. Matthew O'Neal (Allison) of Oxford, MS, Drew O'Neal (Bethany) of St Rose, LA, Rachael O'Neal of Campbellsville, KY, and Baker Lawson, Baylee Lawson, Avery Lawson, and Cole Lawson (Kayla) of Columbus, OH, and Ashley Layendecker of Nashville, TN. One sister survives, Janrose Tunnell of Richmond, KY as well as one niece, Ellen Tunnell of Lexington, KY. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, Micah O'Neal, Campbell O'Neal, Jim O'Neal, Bryce Lawson, and Blakley Lawson.

Jerome graduated from Corbin High School and attended Carson-Newman College (now University), where he was a member of the Eagle basketball team. In 1988, his 1949-50 basketball team was inducted into the Corbin High School Basketball Team Hall of Fame. He went on to earn both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Agriculture from the University of Kentucky.

An active member of the Baptist faith, Jerome served for many years as Deacon Chair and Sunday School teacher at Severns Valley Baptist Church and Elizabethtown Baptist Church, where he and his wife were founding members. He was a current member of 12 Stones Baptist Church. He was also involved with the Baptist Builders, working on projects both locally and in Honduras. In 2019, he was named Deacon Emeritus of Elizabethtown Baptist Church.

Jerome served two years in the U.S. Army, primarily in the veterinary service of the Medical Corps in Germany. His professional career was spent with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, first as an Assistant Extension Agent in Johnson, Simpson, and Hardin counties, focusing on the 4-H Program, and later as the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Director. He retired from the Fort Knox Directorate of Engineering as the Post Land Manager. Jerome also served as President of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Elizabethtown Chapter, and was a member of the John Hardin Chapter, sons of the American Revolution.

Jerome's hobbies included attending University of Kentucky athletic events with his family, especially his grandsons, as well as traveling, gardening, lawn care, and model railroading.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home. On Wednesday, August 6th, visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 AM with the Funeral to follow at 11:00 AM at 12 Stones Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, KY, with Dr. Mike O'Neal officiating. Burial will follow at Hardin Memorial Park in Elizabethtown, KY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to 12 Stones Baptist Church in memory of Jerome Lawson.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown during this difficult time, especially to the nurses and doctors at Baptist Health Hardin.