Burvia William “Sonny” Lawson, 84, of rural Wabash, Indiana, died at 11:00 pm, Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Parkview Wabash Hospital. He was born June 12, 1933 in Wabash County, to Burvia H. and Lona Irene (Nelson) Lawson.
Sonny married Donna May Olinger in Converse, Indiana on December 4, 1954. He served in the US Army, where he attended cooking school. Sonny was a farmer and a “Jack of all trades”. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, playing the guitar, and cooking. He was known for his pies, noodles, and yeast rolls. The outdoors was his passion, and he loved nature, working in the woods, making maple syrup, fishing, and being on his tractor. He especially enjoyed babysitting his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sonny was a member of the College Corner First Brethren Church, where he served as deacon, trustee, taught Sunday School, served as youth leader, and served on the Pastoral Board. He made the cross for the sanctuary and even helped clean the church. Sonny loved the Lord and served Him well and he instilled that into his entire family.
He is survived by his wife, Donna May Lawson of Wabash; four children, Diana Louise Kellam and Cynthia Irene “Cindy” (Mick) Wilson, both of Wabash, Brenda Jean (Dan) Eads of Urbana, Indiana, and Burvia William “Bill” (Venita) Lawson, Jr. of Wabash, ten grandchildren and four step grandchildren, Josh Kellam, Rachel (Zach) Fisher, Rebekah (Dallas) Dillon, Jeremiah Kellam, Matthew (Sheryl) Hodson, Caleb (Tiffanie) Hodson, Sarah (Chris) Collins, Jamie (Mitchel) Hueston, Megan (Sean) Chester, Angela (Jeff) Dale, Jason (Caley) Eads, Melissa (Devin) Griffey, Katie Lorando, and Erin (Dakota) Faunce; 25 great-grandchildren, Alex, Makenzie, and Charlie Fisher, Mylah and Grady Dillon, Anna and Nathaniel Hodson, William and Luke Hodson, Carrie, Hailey, Allie, and Clayton Collins, Jace and Bret Hueston, Emma Chester, Olivia, Kyler, and Tinley Dale, Jaelee, Hadlie, and Laynee Eads, Lily Griffey, Dieghan Lorando, and Jayce Shidler; sister, Claralou (Max) Martin of Wabash, and brother-in-law, Ronnie Jones of Converse, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Jeannie Larimore and Geraldine Jones.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash with Pastor Larry Wade officiating. Burial will be in Mississinewa Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 3-8pm Tuesday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Parkview Wabash Hospice or the Continuing Care Unit at the Parkview Wabash Hospital.
The memorial guest book for Sonny may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.