Billy Dean Lawson

Billy Dean Lawson of Deshler passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, near Purcell, Oklahoma, as a result of a motor vehicle accident, at the age of 63 years. Billy Dean Lawson, the son of Ray and Ethel (Novotny) Lawson, was born on May 10, 1945, in Beatrice, Nebraska.

He was one of seven children born to his parents. Billy, best known as “Little Bill,” attended Beatrice and Wymore schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 26, 1963, and served as an Army cook in Korea, Germany, Hawaii and Vietnam. During his service years, he earned his G.E.D. He was honorably discharged and retired from the Army on March 1, 1983. From his first marriage, Bill was blessed with two children, Janelle and Steven. Bill lived in Lincoln and worked as a chef and also learned to drive trucks there. He met Mary Lynne Hudson on New Year’s Eve of 1983. They were married on April 30, 1988, in Fairbury, Nebraska. Bill raised Mary’s children, Wade and Kelli, as his own. The family lived in Jansen for a short time, Alexandria and Hebron. When the kids were grown, Bill and Mary moved to Deshler. “Little Bill” had truck driving in his blood. He drove trucks for several firms, including Larkins and Sons of Deshler, and was currently driving for Dahlsten Trucking of Clay Center, Nebraska. At Dahlsten, he earned Driver of the Month three times and numerous safety awards. He tried to stay off the road at times so he could be home more with the family, and tried working a short time at Reinke Irrigation, but the road always called him back. Bill enjoyed cooking and was known as an excellent cook within the family, except he cooked for an army of people. He loved racing, and did some race car driving in Germany while in the Army, and later locally in the Deshler area.

He taught Kelli to drive and had some brow-raising adventures teaching her the fine arts of turning without stopping. He taught Wade the importance of putting up the tailgate of the pickup with a “do as I say not as I do” lesson. His eyebrows got raised at least every year at the annual 4th of July party. The year Kelli brought the garden hose, which he grudgingly gave back the year Julie caught the tree on fire. Whether the family was watering down the dining room or almost blowing up kids, he was a little afraid to miss the event. Bill was an amazing, untiringly patient man. Very loving, very into family and spending time with his family and hosting get-togethers. He loved his wife and family deeply, even when Mary kept bringing home dogs. Eventually he would come to the end of his rope and the family knew that if he started stuttering, that they had better be prepared for a storm.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of Deshler, Neb.; children, Wade (Julie) Mees, of Deshler, Neb., Kelli (Larry) Degner of Davenport, Neb., Janelle Simpson of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Steven Lawson of Oklahoma City, Okla.; 7 grandchildren, Abby, Ted and Johana Degner, Becca and Garrett Mees, Taylor Simpson; and Andrew Lawson; one sister, Judy (Jerry) Nickels of Beatrice, Neb.; two brothers, Lloyd Lawson of Beatrice, Neb., Vernon (Bonnie) Lawson of Lincoln, Neb.; sister-in-law, Becky (Dennis) Zabel of Daykin, Neb.; two brothers-in-law, Mike (Kathy) Hudson of Belvidere, Neb., and Kenny Ames of Beatrice, Neb.; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald Lawson and Raymond Lawson; one sister, Loretta Ames; nephew, Greg Lawson, and father-in-law, Wade Lawson.

“Little Bill” was cremated and memorial services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Hebron, Neb., with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Music are recordings of “Amazing Grace” and “On The Road Again”. Military services to be conducted at the church. Honorary bearers are anyone that touched Bill’s life or allowed him to touch theirs. Memorials have been established to the family's choice. Price Funeral Home of Hebron, Neb., in charge of the arrangements.

(Paid)