John Michael "Mike" Lawson

John Michael "Mike" Lawson, 55, of Sheldon, Mo., passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at his son's home in Belton. He was born Sept. 6, 1958, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of John Clark and Shirley Joann (Greer) Lawson.

After Mike's school years he was united in marriage to Jodi D. Osborn and together the couple became parents to four children. He later married the love of his life, Catherine Ellen Clark, and together had one son. He spent some of his early life in Arkansas, and then spent more than 25 years in the Kansas City area.

Much of his working life he was employed as a plumber. He had lived the past several years in the Sheldon area where he moved to live on the family farm. In what spare time he had, he enjoyed hunting and fishing; coin collecting, and watching golf on TV.

Earlier in his life he built model airplanes and boats. He spent as much time as possible in the great outdoors and was probably best known as someone that was always willing to help anyone in need. He was an accomplished handyman who could and would fix anything whether it be for himself or someone else.

Survivors include his children, Michelle McDonald, of Kansas City, John Lawson and Misty, of Kansas City, David Lawson and Jill, of West Plains, Chad Lawson and Cindy, of Belton, Heather Stuby and Jr., of Gun City, Brandy Yeager and Dale, of Peculiar, and Alice Scammahorn and Steve, of Kansas City; one sister, Katherine Attebury and Ronald, of Sheldon; one brother, Calvin Lawson, also of Sheldon; numerous grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Laura Lee Eads; and his daughter, Jennifer.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 31, at the Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada. A visitation will also be held from 3 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 31, followed by a memorial service to begin at 4 p.m., at the New Journey Church of Holiness, 6802 E. 157th St., in Belton.

Friends may call now and until 3 p.m., Saturday, at Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.