V. Dewayne Lawson

He was born April 23, 1938 in Spring Lake Township, Tazewell County to Virgil B. and Lela L. (Hilst) Lawson. He married Carol Joan (Manhusen) on August 12, 1961 in Pekin, Illinois. She preceded him in death on September 25, 2014.

Dewayne was also preceded in death by his parents and four sisters including one infant, Ellen Marie Lawson Sharon “Jeanie” Price, Patsy Bowers, Ellen Morrison.

Surviving is his daughter, Kristi Hubbs of Pekin; two grandchildren, Brock Besette of Peoria and Brenna Hubbs of Cuba; one great-grandson, Cooper Bowman; one brother, Bill Lawson; and one sister, Janet Lawson.

Dewayne was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving as a military police officer stationed in Korea.

He happily retired in 2000 from Caterpillar, Inc. after 44 years as a tooling specialist.

Dewayne loved being outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, golfer, and poker player, but especially cherished life on the lake. He and Carol loved taking pontoon rides and spending evenings on the back porch, watching the boats go by and waving to everyone on the lake. At Pekin Parkview Golf Course, he recorded two hole-in-ones and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, with Minnesota, Arkansas, and Florida among his favorite destinations.

He was also a member of the Elks, Pekin Moose Lodge #916, the Peoria Sportsman Club, T.P.A., and KOC. As an original member of the “OG Bandit Golf Royals,” he formed lifelong friendships and created countless memories that became some of his favorite stories to share. Above all, he lived a life rooted in faith, and nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family and friends.

His funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where he was a faithful member. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, in care of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.