Billy Dale Lawson (Hartville)'s Obituary
Billy Dale Lawson was born January 9th, 1932 at Rayborn, Missouri to Joseph Franklyn and Leoma Grace “Barr” Lawson. Billy entered eternity Oct 27, 2012 at the age of 80 years, 9 months and 18 days. He died at his home of 48 years just a few miles from Rayborn, with his wife by his side.
While many things can be said of Billy the most descriptive is this: He built a house by the side of the road and was a friend to all men. Billy built the house by the side of 38 highway and gave comfort and aide to friend, and stranger alike. Many times he was called upon to change tires, jump start a battery, replace a belt or fuel up a stranded vehicle. When asked, “What do I owe you?” the answer never varied. “You don’t owe me a thing. Just go on your way.”
He was the husband of one good wife for 57 years. To this union were born three children James David, Cheryl Lynn and Elizabeth Ann, an infant daughter who died shortly after birth.
Billy loved to work, loved visiting people and never met a stranger. Most of all he loved children. He set great store by all children especially the small ones. He could soothe a crying baby better than any woman and always had time to play with the older ones. The greatest gift he gave them was listening to the children.
Billy farmed every day of his life until a stroke fell him in September of 2011. He was cared for in his home by his wife, his son and his ever patient son in law David Vaughan who he came to greatly rely on. The great joy of the last year of his life was the great granddaughters, and grandchildren and other family members and friends who came to visit including Arthur and Norma Rogers.
Billy was preceded in death by his infant daughter, his parents, one brother Roy Lawson. He was survived by his wife Shirley Lawson, son James David, daughter Cheryl, granddaughter Becky and grandson Levi, two great granddaughters, Jaimie and Lissie Vaughan. His sisters Edith Wills, and Ruth Dunlap, a brother Franklyn, a special niece Betty Mings and many other nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and other relations.
Memorial donations may be made to Three Rivers Hospice in care of the funeral home at PO Box 236, Hartville, MO 65667.
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