John "Larry" Lawson

John “Larry” Lawson, age 79 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Brad Brown will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by Mattoon VFW Post 4325. The visitation will begin at 4:00 PM, Monday, April 6, 2026, at the funeral home. Larry was born on December 30, 1946, in Terre Haute, IN to the late John Carson and Elizabeth Anne (Vogel) Lawson. He married Barbara Jean Askren on November 16, 1973, in Wooddale, IL; she survives and resides in Mattoon, IL. He is also survived by three children: Christine M. Banks and husband Tim of Mattoon, IL, Douglas M. Lawson and wife Jessica of Towanda, IL, Sandra D. Fowler and husband Jim of Normal, IL; four grandchildren: Drew Z. Banks and wife Rhandi of Mattoon, IL, Natalie P. Fowler and fiancé David Hall of Normal, IL, Kiersten L. Fowler of Normal, IL, Carson J. Fowler of Normal, IL; three step grandchildren: Alexis C. Thornton and husband Ben of Bloomington, IL Alyssa N. Woodrum of Eureka, IL, Logan C. Woodrum of Eureka, IL; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nancy M. Hughes of Danville, IL, and Sally Anne Stanton and husband Bill of Brazil, IN. He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles T. Lawson. Larry was well known in the Mattoon community as the longtime owner and operator of Lee’s Famous Recipe, a business he and his wife Barbara faithfully ran beginning in 1974. Through the years, he built lasting relationships and became a familiar and respected face to many. Prior to that, he worked for ATEC in Indianapolis out of Wooddale. Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, where he was stationed in Germany at a nuclear site. He enjoyed staying active and social throughout his life and was involved in many organizations and activities. Larry was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Eagles Lodge, VFW, and American Legion. He also enjoyed being part of the Rogala Golf League, Rocking Chair Softball League, Mattoon Bowling League, and as a billiards player. Larry was a devoted sports fan who rarely missed cheering on his favorite teams, the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and the Fighting Illini. Above all, Larry loved his family dearly. They were the center of his world and the greatest joy of his life. He will be remembered for his dedication, his sense of community, his love of sports and fellowship, and the many lives he touched over the years. Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

John "Larry" Lawson

December 30, 1946 - March 30, 2026