Jerry Kent Lawson May 16, 1943 - August 25, 2022

Jerry Kent Lawson

May 16, 1943 – August 25, 2022

After a long, courageous journey with Parkinson’s Disease, Jerry passed peacefully on August 25^th. He was born in La Grande, OR, to Jack and Lozene Lawson. He moved to Idaho as a young child and spent most of his life in Boise.

After graduating from Borah High School, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

He married Judy Thurman and they had two children, Toni and Matt. Although Jerry and Judy divorced years ago, they continued to be great parents together and had a respectful, supportive relationship over the years.

Jerry’s true calling was service to others. He pursued a career in the funeral business after completing his Mortuary Science Degree in San Francisco.  He took great pride in his work as a mortician. Upon hearing of his death, his family received numerous messages from people sharing expressions of gratitude for Jerry’s help during their most difficult times, “Your dad was there in my darkest hour and gave me a glimpse of light. The world is better because of him.”

He also had a passion for working with service organizations, including the Jaycees and the Boise Vista Lions Club, where he participated in countless service projects over 45 years to benefit the Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.

A big fan of Boise State Football, he had season tickets for more than 30 years. He could always be found at his corner seats of the second level of Bronco Stadium, getting fans on their feet at each kickoff. Those who know Jerry, know he had a thing about matching every element of his attire…from shoes, to belt, to watch, to rings, to his pen. He had some Boise State outfits that can only be described as eclectic. As he got older, every holiday was an opportunity to “go all in” to dress for the occasion.

Jerry’s other passion was the local music scene. He was famous around Boise as a super-fan that loyally followed and supported local musicians. He was a regular at their shows and even enthusiastically passed the tip jar for them. Local musicians referred to him as “Deacon Jerry” and Mayor Bieter recognized his dedication with a “Jerry Lawson Day” proclamation in 2015.

As his Parkinson’s Disease progressed, he moved into assisted living but that didn’t slow his social life. With a large group of friends and family to shuttle him about, he continued to loyally attend songwriter forums, Lions Club meetings and church services at Wright Community Church.

He was known for his amazing memory and faithfully called an extensive list of family and friends each year on their birthdays, making 2-3 calls a day with celebratory wishes.

One common theme in all his conversations were his kids and grandchildren, Max and Allie. He would never hesitate to brag about them to anyone who would listen. He was truly proud of them all.

He is survived by Toni Lawson (Curtis Eck) and Matt Lawson (fiancé Lisa Davidson), Bob Twomey, grandchildren Max and Allie Lawson, siblings Tim (Sherry) Lawson, Dennis (Pam) Lawson, Becky (Roger) Corleone and an extended loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Wright Congregational United Church of Christ, 4821 W. Franklin Rd. in Boise, with visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow at 2:00 pm, at the Kuna Cemetery, 1321 W. Boise St. in Kuna.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jerry’s memory to the Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation (www.envisionsight.org) and the Idaho Songwriters Association (www.idahosongwriters.com ).

To watch the funeral service, please visit: https://vimeo.com/743232722

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.