Jess Lawson

Jess Willard Lawson, Jr. age 72 of Urbana, Missouri entered into rest on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at his home. Jess W. Lawson, Jr. was born in Kansas City, Kansas on 2/25/1952 to Margaret Lois Dean Lawson (Page(deceased)) and Jess Willard Lawson, Sr. (deceased). Jess grew up playing football at his school in Spring Hill, Kansas and working alongside his father where he learned many life skills. Jess had three older siblings; Jimmy Joe Lawson (deceased), Linda Lou Held and Carol Jean Prothe. In 1979 Jess joined the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen-Local 15 KMN. He worked as a bricklayer until he retired due to injury. As we all know, this never slowed Jess down. In 1997 the Lawson family broke ground on the property that would be forever known as “The Farm.” Jess is survived by his loving wife Julia M. Lawson (Kuhn). Though they laid their only son (Jerry M. Lawson) to rest in 2007, Jess & Julia were blessed with four grandchildren: Jessica Lawson, Victoria Lawson, Tacy Lawson, and Jayden Matney. The next generation has already begun with the great grandchildren all born to Victoria Lawson; Breanna, Julie and Michael. All of his life, Jess was an avid outdoorsman. With a love for the land and waterways in the beautiful Ozarks. After retirement Jess moved from the Kansas City area to Urbana, Missouri to get back to his roots as his father’s side of the family hails from the Lebanon area. Jess took great pride in sharing his enthusiasm for the outdoors with his friends and family. It is through these experiences he imparted many life lessons to his granddaughters. There was one thing about Jess Lawson, he didn’t know a stranger. Jess was known and loved by many. May his memory be a blessing. Forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at OakStar bank with the account named “Donations” with the goal of being able to purchase a memorial bench to place at the cemetery this spring. Services are scheduled for 11 am on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home in Urbana, Missouri, visitation will be held prior beginning at 10 am until service time. Jess will be laid to rest at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Urbana, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cantlon-Otterness and Viets Funeral Home, Urbana, Missouri.

Jess Lawson

February 25, 1952 - December 21, 2024