Leonard E. Lawson

Leonard E. Lawson, 93, of Rockford, Ill., passed away peacefully Nov. 16 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center.

Leonard was born Feb. 19, 1928, in Russellville, the son of Hugh and Mae (Johnson) Lawson. He proudly served in the United States Army and United States Army Reserves for seven years. He married his sweetheart, Betty McKelvy, Dec. 6, 1949, in Russellville.

Leonard retired from National Lock after 30 years of service. He was a very family-oriented man who enjoyed many family nights of poker. He was a great horseshoe player, winning hundreds of trophies. He was a baseball coach and umpire for many seasons.

Leonard was the past president of the Harry Morris School Board. He enjoyed gardening and loved baking delicious pies. He was the patriarch of our family and will truly be missed.

The family would like to thank the best neighbors ever, Ron and Murna.

Leonard is survived by his children, Leonard W. (Barbara) Lawson of Berryville, Va., Lee (Ron Sam) Lawson of Oxnard, Calif., Teresa (Ron) Colvin of Rockford, Ill., and Marlene (Dave Veitch) Lawson of Rochelle; grandchildren, Dayna, Jennifer, Erica, Lishya, Joshua, Tanya, Tiffany and Veronica; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, sons Terry Lawson and Lambert Lawson, granddaughter Sabrina, grandson-in-law Luke Carmichael and seven siblings.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Nov. 22 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Nov. 23 at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

To share a condolence, visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.