Everett Lawson

Everett “Gene” Lawson, 85, of Bettendorf, Iowa died Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at the Iowa Masonic Health Facilities in Bettendorf.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017 at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral home.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 2nd at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 4th, at Purdom Cemetery in Keosauqua, Iowa.  Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Gene was born December 27, 1931, in Fairfield, Iowa to Vernon and Wilma Lawson.  He married Jeanne Lawson Nov. 8, 1953, at the Methodist Church in Keosauqua.  Gene graduated from Fairfield High School in 1949, and attended Parsons College in Fairfield, graduating in 1953.

Gene served in the Iowa National Guard 34th Infantry Division Band from 1948-1963.  He was a volunteer fireman in Fairfield in the late 50’s – early 60’s.  Gene spent his career in the quality control discipline, starting with the Dexter Laundry / Philco Company (early 60’s), and advancing to Quality Control Manager of J.I. Case Company in Bettendorf, IA (1965-1988).  Gene was a dedicated and loving husband to Jeanne for 52 years, and a strong father figure to his sons, participating in Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts, and teaching confidence and independence with skills in hunting, swimming, mechanical repair, construction and gardening.  His passions included hunting, college football, playing bridge/cards with friends and family, collecting/refurbishing antiques, and RV-ing with Jeanne and their computer portrait business.

Survivors include two brothers, three sons, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne (Rambo) Lawson, a daughter, Melinda (in infancy), and one brother.