Reese McDowell Lawhon

1980 - 2023

Reese McDowell Lawhon
February 6, 1980 - April 9, 2023
Portland, Oregon - Artist and musician, Reese McDowell Lawhon, 43, tragically passed away April 9, 2023, in Portland, Oregon.
Reese was born February 6, 1980, in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Trinity Valley School K-12, where he was described by his art teacher as a "Mozart in the visual arts." A gifted musician, he played the guitar and a set of homemade drums while in high school. He continued his education at the University of Oregon, where he received a BFA. He moved to Portland, where he established himself as a musician and artist. In 2005, he joined the indie rock band, Aan, as bassist and singer, playing at venues across the country, including SXSW in Austin and touring with Smashing Pumpkins.
Reese's love of nature began while attending Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park, Colorado. He enjoyed nothing more than being outdoors, camping, biking and hiking with his friends while photographing the beauty of the Northwest. He loved exploring the streets of Portland while driving for Radio Cab, where he was praised for his kindness and desire to help people get where they needed to go.
An artist of utmost skill, he painted landscapes with a unique perspective, exploring light and shape in his more abstract works. His razor-sharp observational powers rendered realistic portraits which captured not only the details but the essence of his subjects. The demand for his work increased as his talent became more widely recognized.
Reese was an exceptional person with time for everyone. He exuded a calm confidence and often gifted his friends with timely and comedic quips. He was a keen observer of humanity and a welcome presence in any group. He was a great hugger. He respected people from all walks of life. Reese never lost a friend; he just kept adding them and they never left. Reese quietly walked his own path.
Reese was devoted to his loving and supportive family. He was predeceased by grandparents, Edna and Bill Lawhon, Virginia and Bob Royar and brother-in-law Steele Pearce.
He was the cherished son of Ginger and Mack Lawhon, beloved brother of Claire Pearce and Natalie (Jordan) Boenker and "fun uncle" to Royar, Davidson, Isabelle, Heidi, Edie and Payne. He will be greatly missed by aunts and uncles Ken (Gayle) Royar, Bob Royar, Mignon (Al) Heizer and Terral (Paul) Cesak, his cousins and his Portland family.
A memorial will be held Monday, April 24 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gladney Center for Adoption, 6300 John Ryan Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76132, with a reception following in the garden.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the newly established Reese McDowell Lawhon Scholarship Fund at the Gladney Center for Adoption. It will support adoptive families while providing hope for bright futures for generations to come. Additionally, contributions may be made to Trinity Valley School, designated for the arts, or any charity of choice.