Woodrow “Woody” Charles Lawson Jr.

Woodrow “Woody” Charles Lawson Jr. of Mineral Point was born on January 2, 1960, in St Louis, a son of Mildred (Downard) Smith and the late Woodrow Lawson. Woody passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021, having reached the age of sixty-one years, eight months, and ten days.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 37 years, Tammy (Mason) Lawson; mother, Mildred Smith; children: Brandi (Michael) DeClue, Michelle (Matthew) Rifenburg, and Zachary (Lora) Lawson; grandchildren: Bayleigh Hayes, Brayden DeClue, Braxton Lawson, Ella Rifenburg, and Lane DeClue; siblings: Randall Lawson, Kelly Rasmussen, Jeff (Robin) Lawson, Timothy Connour, and LeighAnn (Chuck) Skiles; mother-in-law, Judy Mason; in-laws, Ronald & Camillia Mason; and best friend, Stanley Conway. Woody is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Woody was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow “Big Woody” Lawson; mother, Wanda Faye Martin; stepfathers: Robert Martin and Jim Smith; infant son, Eddie Ray Buhler; paternal grandparents, Manuel & Dorothy Lawson; and brother, Leonard Smith.

Woody was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a natural athlete and played baseball, softball, golf and loved to bowl. He was a certified bowling coach and coached youth at the bowling alley for many years.

He loved his family more than anything. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He was an amazing husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend.

He became a member of Potosi Church of God in 1991 and served as the bass player for many years. He currently attended New Diggins Tabernacle, where he continued to serve as the bass player.

He was a member of UAW local 2250 in Wentzville, being retired since 2003. He currently served as the UAW retirees Vice President. He was a Ham Radio operator and enjoyed talking to people all around the world. Woody loved nature, the weather, and became a trained weather spotter, reporting local snow and rainfall totals to the National Weather Service. He loved all kinds of music, especially Elvis, and loved to play at church and with family and friends. He loved getting together with family and friends to BBQ or play pinochle. He loved family traditions; his favorite being getting up at 4 a.m. to cook breakfast on Christmas morning for his family. A tradition started by his Grandpa Manual, which he continued after Manual’s death in 1991.

A visitation was held on Thursday, September 16th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at DeClue Funeral Home. Visitation resumed on Friday, September 17th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A funeral service was held on Friday, September 17th at 1 p.m. at the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Pastor Roger Taber officiating, assisted by Pastor Matt Woods and Pastor Bob Pyatt. Interment followed at New Diggins Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.