Obituaries

Kenneth Leroy Lawson

Photo of Kenneth Leroy Lawson Photo of Kenneth Leroy Lawson
Kenneth L. Lawson, 86, passed away July 15th, following a lengthy illness. Ken was the son of Homer and Myrtle Lawson and grew up in Fairmont, MN. Ken began his broadcasting career in Fargo, N.D. at a local radio station. It was during this time, that Ken met Lois Barker, his future wife. A television broadcasting opportunity afforded Ken and his family, a move to Sioux City, Iowa where he worked for KVTV later known as KCAU. Ken voiced over live TV commercials, was a character for Kids Korner, a children's show, and soon began doing the weather reports. Ken was a member of the 185th Tactical Fighter Group, based in Sioux City and was proud of his 33 years of service to the United States Air Force. He was deployed with the 185th to South Korea during the Pueblo Incident in 1968 and returned in 1969. During his deployment, he helped organize donations of clothing to a nearby orphanage where they were stationed. Upon his return from his deployment, he resumed his TV broadcasting career, but now with KMEG TV station. In 1972, Ken was appointed executive director of the Siouxland Community Blood Bank, and held this position until his retirement 20 years later. During his time with the Blood Bank, Ken was asked to run for city council of Sioux City and was elected in 1982. He was then appointed mayor by his fellow council members. Ken was an active member of his church, Augustana Lutheran of Sioux City. He was an active member of Rotary and a supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux City. Upon his retirement, he and his wife moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas. His involvement with various civic groups continued, supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County, Arkansas. He was very active in recycling in the Bella Vista area. He was an active member in his church, United Lutheran in Bella Vista and participated in the Neighborhood Watch program. Ken is survived by his wife, Lois, of 64 years; four children, Mark (Kathy) Lawson of Spencer, Iowa, Robin (John) Hoye of Fort Collins, Colo., Dawn Lawson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jeff (Teresa) Lawson of Savage, Minn.; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren along with other relative and friends will miss him dearly. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 18th at United Lutheran Church, 100 Cooper Road, Bella Vista, Ark. 72715. Memorials may be made to United Lutheran Church. Arrangements are provided by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

Published July 17, 2018

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