Honoring Rick Lawson: Support for His Family

Rick Lawson was a beloved member of the Mansfield, Ohio community, known for his warmth, humor, and generosity. As a devoted husband, father, and recently a grandfather to three little ones—Jayce, Avery, and Damien—Rick filled every room with laughter and kindness. He was deeply involved in his community, from ordaining friends and neighbors to supporting local causes like Sami's Toys for Kids and the Madison schools music program. Rick was a familiar face at Buckeye Billiards, where he played in the dart league, and he spent countless weekends fishing at Lake Wapusun, often participating in competitions and sharing his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren.

Family was at the heart of everything Rick did. He created cherished traditions like “sundaes for Sunday” breakfasts with his family, trivia nights at the dinner table, and family trips to the drive-in theater. He loved taking his children fishing, playing baseball with Rodney, and hosting lively barbeques. Rick enjoyed video games like Call of Duty and Minecraft with Mya, and he was a fan of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Star Trek, and the Eragon and Twilight book series. He loved history documentaries, Shark Week, and telling funny stories about his family. Rick watched football with Aurora and always looked forward to Dawn’s baking, especially her egg rolls and his favorite pineapple cookies at Christmas. He cherished time outdoors, camping, and boat fishing with his kids, and he was always welcoming to friends and family, no matter who they were. Rick’s acceptance and encouragement touched everyone he met, and he made sure to tell his loved ones how much they meant to him every day.

Rick’s sudden passing has left his family—his wife Dawn and children Rodney, Aurora, and Mya—facing significant challenges. With no will in place, everything is in probate, making it difficult to cover funeral expenses, probate fees, and the household bills that Rick once managed. Dawn is doing her best to stay strong, but the financial burden is overwhelming. We’re asking for support to help give Rick the farewell he deserves and to help Dawn keep their home during this difficult time. On June 14th, a banquet will be held in Rick’s honor, bringing together friends from the dart league, fishing community, and beyond to share memories, play games, and celebrate his life. Any support—whether through donations or sharing your favorite stories of Rick—will mean the world to his family and help them through this heartbreaking time.