Earl Ray Lawson

Earl Ray “Jack” Lawson, 88, of Nashville, Michigan, formerly of Idaville, Indiana, passed away Saturday, April 24, 2021. He was born in Kingman, Indiana on August 22, 1932, the son of Marvin Bishop Lawson and Ruth (Stokes) Lawson. He was a 1950 graduate of Kingman High School and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy.

Jack spent most of his life living in rural Idaville. He managed the former Sohigro fertilizer plant and was a steam plant operator for the State of Indiana. He farmed his whole life and was well known for his sweet corn, which was sold locally. Jack loved to fish and coon hunt, work in the garden, and spend time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by one son, Kevin Earl Lawson (Melinda) of Nashville, Michigan; one daughter, Sharon Raye Gerlach of Idaville, Indiana; one sister, Dorothy Jovanovich of Clinton, Indiana; one brother, Leland “Skip” Lawson (Sandee) of Covington, Indiana; eight grandchildren: Angelica Marie Govaert, Amanda Diane Konrath (Ryan), Christopher Kyle Springer (Matison), David Allen Springer (Amanda), Geoffrey Colton Smith (fiancé Liz Brooks), Sophia Grace Lawson, Samantha Ruth Lawson, and Kenzie May Enano Lawson; and four great-grandchildren: Skyler Christopher Springer, Sierra Raye Springer, Gracie Mae Springer, and Oliver Ray Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ruth Lawson; two brothers, Bill Lawson and Marion “Pete” Lawson, three sisters: Barbara Burnell, Virginia Crippen, and Jane McIntyre; one daughter, Marlene Diane “Sunny” Shreve; and his former wife, Phyllis JoAnn.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. (Central Time) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.