Wiliam Larry Lawson Jr.

William Larry Lawson Jr., 61, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on October 27, 2025. He was born on January 28, 1964, to William Larry Lawson Sr. and Ida Darlene Steele-Leeman.

Larry was a graduate of Fort Osage High School, Class of 1982, and later earned a Bachelor of Applied Science from Maple Woods Community College.

He is survived by his beloved parents, Sherry and William L. Lawson Sr., and his stepfather, Leland Leeman. Larry also leaves behind his brother, Michael Leeman. He was a loving father to four children: Tara Lawson, Shannon (Sabrina) Todd, William K. (Brooke) Lawson, and Kyle (Tiffany) Jones. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

Larry dedicated many years to his career, working as a machinist at Dollins Tool from 1981 to 1995, and later as a Manager of Yard Operations for the Union Pacific Railroad.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Larry was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. He also enjoyed fishing, anything related to railroads, NASCAR, and Harley Davidson.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Ida Steele & Henry Lawson and Mary Ellen Pivey; his mother Ida Darlene Leeman, his brother, David Lawson; and his uncle, William Steele.

A Memorial Service will be held for at Golden Gate Funeral & Cremation Services, LLC Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM. There will be no visitation prior to the service.