After a long life full of love and many accomplishments, Lennis "Len" Francis Lawson passed away during the evening hours of March 10, 2025, in Duncan, Oklahoma.

Len was born Aug. 12, 1941, in Comanche, Oklahoma to Linnis "Zeke" and Gladys (Bell) Lawson. He spent his childhood years moving all over the region following his father's oilfield vocation. As he grew older the family returned to Comanche, where he spent time working on the farm with Uncle George. He was a healthy and strong-willed child. He remained in Comanche, graduating from Comanche High school in 1959. Len started a career in highway and road construction, of nearly 15 years, following in his father's footsteps.

He met the love of his life, Mary Jo (Martin) while working on the stretch of Highway 35 near the Red River. The two married May 20, 1961. They begin their life together traveling Oklahoma and Arkansas tracking highway construction jobs, before Len transitioned into commercial construction, where he found his calling. He spent the better part of his life pursing his passion for construction. Even a few years spent owning and operating several construction-related businesses, Commercial Interiors and Len-Co.

Len and Mary Jo raised four children in their home. Len was a loving, yet stern father. The kids knew it only took one look, and his two black eye brows drawn together to make his point. As a family, they spent a lot of time at Lake Texoma. They enjoyed water sports, such as boating and skiing.

Len and Mary Jo also spent time traveling with their closest friends. The many miles traveled in motorhomes brought them some of their greatest memories.

Later in life, Len enjoyed time spent with his growing family. He had a sweet spot for Ding-Dong desserts and a good mixed drink. He always looked forward to his Bell family reunion every summer. He also enjoyed many hunting trips. He ended his construction and maintenance career working for the Duncan Public School System. Len lived the remainder of his fulfilled life in Duncan. Len was a man of strong character and a great sense of humor. He was often a confidante and fountain of advice, even though sometimes unsolicited. He was a man of few words, and strong-willed nature. He cared deeply for others and was always willing to help if he was able. He was known and loved by many people in the Duncan community.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo Lawson; four children: daughter, Rhonda and husband James Keely of Duncan; daughter, Kelly and husband Tod Spears of Austin, Texas; daughter, Cheryl and husband Mike Shorter of Duncan; and son, Butch Lawson and wife Kris of Duncan, grandchildren: Heather Ragas and husband John, Laurel Stewart and husband Micheal, Kylee Dulworth and husband Kyle, Jesi Lawson, Trevor Spears and wife Hannah, Colin Spears and wife Mary, Hollee Stewart and husband Dustin, Jonathan Keely and wife Heather; great-grandchildren: Willow and Kanyon Ragas, Judd and Knox Davis, Sutton and Layla Dulworth, Quinn Bartlett, Eleanor Spears, Decker and Ryen Hart, Jackson Edwards, Raiden and Teigan Keely; and brother, Tommy Lawson and wife Nancy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, "Zeke" and Gladys Lawson; sister, Carol Nelson; and two infant brothers.

A special mention of gratitude to Chyna Edwards, Marah Haney and the Wilkins Nursing home management and staff for their kind efforts of Len's end of life care.

Services will take place at 10 a.m Friday, March 14, 2025, at Whitt Funeral Home, in Duncan, Oklahoma, with interment to follow in Fairlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Ragas, Micheal White, Kyle Dulworth, Trevor Spears, Colin Spears, and Jonathan Keely.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Len Lawson.

Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.