CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — Hal J. Lawson, 66, passed away May 16, 2023 in Gilbert, Ariz. He was born Aug. 5, 1956 in Shawnee, Okla. to Jimmy and Betty Lawson. He attended

school in Great Bend, Kan. and graduated in 1974. After high school, he worked with his father in the oil field.

In 1986, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He then changed careers and became a stockbroker; then moved with his family to Casa Grande, Ariz. in 1989.

He was very involved with First Presbyterian Church in Casa Grande, including the Sunday school, men’s groups and prison fellowship programs. He loved and played all sports. When he could no longer play, he coached his daughters for as long as he could. He liked to talk with people and ask them a lot of questions to get to know them. His computer enabled him to stay connected and enjoy the things that made him happy. Hal enjoyed fantasy sports, the stock market and making videos. You could always win him over with ice cream or a Blizzard. He loved to joke with everyone and looked at life with lots of humor. Hal always said he received so many blessings from having MS. He never gave up.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Hal is survived by his children, Nikki Lawson of Cave Creek, Ariz., Caley Lawson-Rinker of Boise, Idaho, Jaci Lawson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; son-in-law, Alex Rinker of Boise, Idaho; ex-wife, Cheryl Lawson of Casa Grande, Ariz.; siblings, Bud Lawson and Janet Kuhn; and was Papa to grandchildren, Weston and Evi Rinker.

Services will be held Monday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Casa Grande with Celebration of Life to follow. We request donations to the charity Becauseyoucanms.com in lieu of flowers. J. Warren Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 27, 2023