Earl Lawson

Earl E. Lawson, 86, of Manito, passed away Tuesday morning, January 2, 2024 at River Birch Assisted Living in Springfield. He was born November 24, 1936 in Spring Lake, Il to the late Erastus and Mary Hasty Lawson.

He was a veteran of the US Navy and had worked many years as a Farmer and Steel Worker for Keystone in Peoria. Earl was an avid Elk and deer hunter and loved fishing.

Earl is survived by two daughters, Autam (Larry) Norton, of Mount Pulaski, Rhonda Perkins, of Tuskcumbia, AL, a son, Randy (Karen) Lawson, of Pittsburg, TX, s step-children, Jason, Christel, Mary, Mike, Kelly, and Brad. Also surviving, are his siblings, Jim Lawson, of Manito, Shirley Kreiling, of Mendota, Sandy Lawson, of Utah, Chuck Lawson, of Idaho, six grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by a wife, Bonnie “Jean” Counterman Lawson, and two brothers, Dean and David Lawson.

A visitation will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito. A graveside funeral with Military Honors will follow in Meadow Lawn Cemetery at 11:00 am. Pastor Steve Oaks will officiate.

Memorials may be made to TAPS in Pekin.