John F. "Jack" Lawson

John F. “Jack” Lawson, 77, of Springfield, died at 2:30 am, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born January 2, 1939 in Springfield to Paul LaRue and Frances “Dollie” Anning Lawson. He married Darlene “Dolly” Sandra Alexander and she preceded him in death in 2014. Also preceding him in death were his parents and one son, John Lawson, Jr.

Surviving are one son, Vincent Michael (Catherine) Lawson of Chatham; five grandchildren, Justin, Joshua, and Jordan Lawson; Jessica (Alex) Rivera, and Elijah Webb-Lawson; three great grandchildren; four step-children; three siblings, Robert (Mary Helen) Lawson of Springfield, Lawrence (Cheryn) Lawson of Mission, TX and Deborah (Fred) Hahn of Springfield; his special friend, Karen Saner of Taylorville; several nieces, nephews and cousins and his constant companion, Missey, his cat.

Jack was a retired mechanical engineer at Henson Robinson Company. He was a member of Pipefitters Union Local #137. Jack’s passion was about drag racing. He was a member of the NHRA Funny Car circuit. In later years he loved to build and show late model street rods and was a member of the Vintage Times Car Club.

Per his request, Jack was cremated and no services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Little Flower School.