(From Ulmer Funeral Home)
Ronald “Kirk” Lawson, 78, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri. Born on September 24, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the son of Elton LeRoy “Slim” Lawson and Bernice Pearl Ogden Lawson.
He was raised with enduring values of faith in God, devotion to family, personal responsibility, and hard work. These were principles he not only absorbed in his youth but faithfully embodied throughout his life. Kirk exemplified the steady character and bright optimism of mid century America. Resilient in adversity, enterprising in endeavor, independent in thought, and generous in spirit, he lived with integrity and a profound commitment to the common good. Carthage became his lifelong home and the community in which he invested his labor, his convictions, and his heart.
An industrious and self reliant man, Kirk was self employed for much of his career and also worked for Safeway Cheese and Walmart, approaching every role with diligence. In the mid 1970s, he proudly owned and operated the beloved Coney Chef at 5th and Main in Carthage, providing not only food, but fellowship and a familiar place for neighbors and friends.
On June 10, 1967, in Carthage, Kirk was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda K Tieman. For fifty eight devoted years, theirs was a partnership marked by loyalty, perseverance, and enduring affection. Their marriage stood as a living testament to blissful union between husband and wife.
Though firmly rooted in Southwest Missouri, Kirk possessed a wide and curious mind. Remarkably open minded and often ahead of his time, he was well traveled, having traversed oceans, skies and continents both in devotion to his family and in wonder at the beauty of God’s creation. He cherished education and consistently encouraged his family to stretch toward new heights, a legacy reflected in the accomplishments and character of his children and grandchildren.
A man of sincere faith, Kirk sought not merely to profess belief, but to live it. He studied and endeavored to emulate the example of Jesus Christ, striving daily toward compassion, honesty, humility, and service. In his leisure, Kirk delighted in the simple and enduring pleasures of life. He took pride in meticulous yard work, maintained an impressive collection of ballcaps, and faithfully attended MO-KAN drag races, air shows, and museums. Kirk was also an enthusiastic admirer of NASCAR, and remained steadfastly loyal to his Ford pickup trucks. He also treasured quiet hours at home, enjoying OU Football, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, the Discovery Channel, or his fondly favored Gilmore Girls.
Above all, Kirk cherished his family. Known affectionately as “Papa,” he delighted in the company of his grandchildren, offering not only affection but the steady example of curiosity, discipline, strength, and steadfast love.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Lawson of Carthage; two daughters, Heather Ali and her husband Mohammad of Carthage, Missouri, and Mendy Lasley and her husband Peter of Bentonville, Arkansas; two brothers, Butch Morgan and his wife Lois of Tucson, Arizona, and Preston Lawson and his wife Marie of New Strawn, Kansas; and four cherished grandchildren, Hashim Pasha, Omar Pasha, Quinn Lasley, and Keira Lasley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Slim and Bernice Lawson; his sister, Ramona Lawson Rogers; and his brother in law, Bill Rogers.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Carthage. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.ulmerfh.com. Ronald “Kirk” Lawson lived with conviction, loved with constancy, and worked with honor. His legacy endures in the strength of his family, the memories he leaves behind, and the quiet example of a life faithfully lived.
