Denver Lawson Freeman

DENVER LAWSON FREEMAN of South Charleston, WV returned to the Lord's arms March 26, 2026 after a brief illness.
Lawson (as he was known to friends and family) attended South Charleston High School where he participated in football, wrestling, baseball, and boxing. He graduated with the Class of 1967. He joined the United States Marine Corps as a volunteer in 1968 and served in Vietnam. During his service he was recognized as an Expert Rifleman and he was awarded the Purple Heart. Lawson is a graduate of Morris Harvey College. In 1977, he began his career as an insurance agent for Nationwide Insurance. For almost four decades, Lawson served the needs of his neighbors and community members - offering advice, counsel, comfort, and laughter. Lawson never met a stranger; those whom he met for business quickly counted Lawson as a valued friend. Lawson took pride in his continued service to his fellow veterans - he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. In 2013 he was recognized for his military and community service as the Grand Marshall of South Charleston, WV's Armed Forces Day Parade.
Lawson is survived by his wife Linda Freeman; son Darrell Freeman (Rami); daughter April Martin; grandchildren Thomas Stevens III, Lexi Forinash, Riley Martin, and Julianne Freeman; brothers Ralph Freeman and Donald Freeman; Lawson enjoyed a sibling-like relationship with several family members - especially Lora Bibbee, David Freeman, James "Jimmy" Young, JR Moore, Gary Cummings, Kathy Trent, and Preston Freeman. Lawson is preceded in death by his parents Denver Clinton and Juanita (Moore) Freeman; brother Dennis Freeman, as well as close family members Anthony Lee Young, Clinton Freeman, Joseph Freeman, and Roy Elswick. Lawson was blessed to love many cousins, nieces, and nephews - too numerous to name or to count.
One of Lawson's greatest joys was in laughter. Everyone who knew him will remember him fondly for his big, easy laugh and his extensive collection of jokes and humorous stories.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Good Shepherd Mortuary, South Charleston. Lawson will be laid to rest beside his parents in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans with full military honors following the service.
Family and friends will gather for a time of visitation Monday from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Good Shepherd Mortuary, South Charleston, WV.
In lieu of flowers, Lawson's family asks that you donate to the Roark-Sullivan LifeWay Center - a Charleston, WV shelter for unhoused veterans - in his memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.goodshepherdmortuarywv.com.
Good Shepherd Mortuary, 335 Fifth Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303 has been entrusted with the arrangements.