John Lawhorn

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

John Hampton Lawhorn, age 84, of Carterville, MO, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

John was born on June 8, 1940, in Joplin, MO, to the late union of Lewis “Stub” Benjamin and Roxie Jane (Chaney) Lawhorn. He was a lifetime resident of the Carterville area, graduating in 1958 as a Carterville Comet. He attended Joplin Junior College and later Pittsburg University obtaining his machinist certification. 

In 1962 he married Patricia Irene Dorsey at the Atlas Christian Church in Atlas, MO. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage. 

In his younger years, he enjoyed going to Mo-Kan Dragway with Pat and his Hot Rod Club, the Cam Twisters. John was one of the last married men in Jasper County to be drafted into the US Army and served as a Military Policeman in Korea. He worked as a machinist for Webb Corp for 49 years before retiring at the age of 70. 

John was a man of great character, always taking care of his family and was very involved in his grandchildren’s lives. John wore many hats and you could always find him working on multiple projects. He was extremely otnery and loved to play jokes on people. It wasn’t uncommon to find a random plant growing in your back yard that he had sneaked in or a piglet fenced into your front yard. He enjoyed working as a craftsman on home projects and even built the back half of his house. 

John had many interests including auctions, gardening, genealogy, photography, tractor restoration, and was a master gift giver. He was a member of the Carterville Masonic Lodge for many years and was also active in many historical organizations in the area. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Marla Tournear and Susan Covert (Jerry); seven grandchildren, Kelsey Reynolds (Nick), Autumn Basye, Kourtney Myers (Dallas), Morgan Rainey, Karlee Talent (Travis), John Covert (Tori), Cameron Tournear (Alyssa); and 12 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made out to Carterville United Methodist Church, Webb City Area Genealogical Society, or Carterville Cemetery Association, in care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Carterville United Methodist Church with pastor Bob Wynn officiating. Interment to follow at Carterville Cemetery with Cameron Tournear, Johnny Covert, Travis Talent, Nick Reynolds, Dallas Myers, and Isaiah Basye serving as pallbearers.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.