Richard “Lumpy” Lee Lawson, 76, of Joplin, Mo., died Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Mo. Richard “Lumpy” Lawson, son of Albert Lee and Nadine (Best) Lawson, was born August 12, 1946, in Yakima, Washington. He was a four-year track, football and basketball letterman at Cherokee County Rural High School Richard graduated with the class of 1964. Richard also ran track at Parsons Junior College. Richard married Karen Stocker in 1967, with whom he had two children. He married Jane Woolever in 2001.
Richard “Lumpy” Lawson was employed by B.F. Goodrich in Miami, Oklahoma for 15 years. He also owned and operated the Snak Atak convenience store in Fairland, Oklahoma for 10 years. In 1997, Richard purchased John’s Meat Market in Joplin, Mo. and remodeled the market into a BBQ restaurant with state-of-theart smokers and the highest quality meats. For 15 years Richard owned Lumpy’s BBQ, winning loyal customers and awards in the four-state region. Richard truly loved the customers and employees at Lumpy’s and could usually be found in the kitchen or serving delicious BBQ.
Richard coached Columbus Little League and AAU Junior Olympic track. He was also a high school basketball referee in Kansas for over 25 years, including multiple state tournaments. Richard was a lifelong Kansas Jayhawk basketball and Kansas City Chiefs fan and played hundreds of rounds of golf. He was a past president of the Columbus Country Club and 20-year member, American Legion member and Twin Hills Country Club member for 35 years. The Joplin Elks Lodge was always a great place to see his friends, play cards and cheer on the Jayhawks and Chiefs. Richard also enjoyed participating in the Elks Lodge Christmas community service projects.
“Lumpy” was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. Many people will miss his entertaining stories, sports observations and the laughter that surrounded him.
Richard’ is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jane Lawson; his mother, Nadine Lawson; his siblings, Cindy (John) Starrett, Ellen (Jim) Dougan, Todd (Debbie) Lawson, Jill (Richie) Knight and Terry Lawson; children, Rick (Jo) Lawson and Holly Lawson; his grandchildren, Landon Lawson, Victoria Lawson, Bristol Linders, Maeleigh Soper and Danica Woolever; stepchildren, Danna Woolever and Dusty Woolever. Richard is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to Solace House, Elks Lodge or donations may be entrusted to the mortuary.
Memorial services was held Thursday, March 30 at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Mo.