Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Lawson Obituary
Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, at Central Christian Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Central Christian Church. Burial will be in Mount Gilead Cemetery, Decatur. Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials: Central Christian Church and NBA Barton W. Stone Christian Home, 873 Grove St. Jacksonville, Illinois 62650-2399.
Don Lawson was born May 13, 1929, in Hammond, Ind., the son of Cecil and Grace Lawson. He was raised in Forsyth and Decatur. An avid sports fan, one of Don's favorite memories is playing for Gay Kintner and the Decatur Running Reds from 1943-1947. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1947, Millikin University in 1951 and served in the United States Army. He retired from Wagner Castings Company after 53 years.
He married Jane Fearheiley on February 14, 1953 in Fillmore, Ill. They had 4 children endash Leslie, Cindy, Tim and Julie.
Don was a very active member of Central Christian Church where he served as President of the Congregation and was an elder emeritus. He also served on the Board of the Barton W. Stone Christian Home.
One of his many foundry accomplishments includes being elected as National Director of the American Foundrymen's Society and being awarded the Keating Founders' Freedom Award. As a community member he served on many boards including St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, United Way, South Side Country Club, American Red Cross, and Northeast Community Fund. He also had a passion for public speaking that would instill inspiration, instruction, and enthusiasm to those who worked in the foundry industry.
He was one of eight owners who purchased Wagner Castings Company from the Wagner family in 1983.
Surviving are his wife; son, Tim Lawson (Mary Louise) of Tallahassee, Fla.; daughters, Leslie Kirby (Jim) of Reedsburg, Wisc.; Cindy York (Hunter) and Julie Causey (Terry) of Decatur; grandchildren, Adam and Kimberlee Lawson of Tallahassee, Fla.; Ryan Kirby of Reedsburg, Wisc.; Sarah and Hunter York, Logan and Maggie Causey of Decatur; stepgrandchildren, Rory York and Hope Webb of Calif.; Brandon and Kara Kirby of Decatur.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Lawson.
Don had a genuine love for his family and friends and a strong faith in God. He will be greatly missed.
Obituary written by family members
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Lawson
Jim & Erla Wideman
January 22, 2004
Dear Jane,
We send our sympathy to you and your family.
Jim and Erla
Ray Gliner
January 21, 2004
I got to know Don growing up with Tim. I will remember him as a wonderful parent, with a warm sense of humor, a wonderful laugh and an encouraging disposition. His physical stature made him seem almost larger than life. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to all of the family.
Ed and Sally Kuny
January 20, 2004
Jane and Family: Our prayers are with you. Don was one super guy and a dear friend.
Christie Rhoads
January 20, 2004
I'm so sorry to learn of the loss of a wonderful man. I knew Don during the time I worked at Wagner Castings (1972-73). Don really stood out, both in height and professionally. I always thought he must be a Christian because of his attitude even under stress. Now I know for sure. God bless your family; you've lost a great man!
jim arendt
January 20, 2004
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
William & Ruthann Huber
January 20, 2004
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
I first met Don 20 years ago and we worked together for many years. He was a fine man who loved his family, faith and work.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Lawson's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Lawson
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Lawson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
