Kermit Lyle Lawson

FebFebruary 5^th, 1943 • JanJanuary 28^th, 2026

Charleston, West Virginia

Kermit Lyle Lawson

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The incomparable — and perfectly imperfect — Kermit Lyle Lawson of Charleston, West Virginia, sank his final putt on the 18th green Wednesday, January 28, 2026… and with a grin on his face, advanced to Hole 19.

He is survived by his adoring and steadfast wife of 64 years, Connie Rae (née Rhoades); his two proud and resilient sons, John Lawson of Charleston, West Virginia, and Rick Lawson of Huntington, West Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida; and his son‑in‑law (and bonus son), Rusty Hefner, also of Huntington, West Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida.

Family isn’t defined only by blood, but by love, loyalty, and the people who show up for you throughout life. And by that measure, Dad’s family is even bigger than the one listed in the records. Janie Spencer-Turley and her daughter Leah held a special place in his heart — not as friends, but as family in every real and meaningful way. To Dad, Janie was another daughter, and Leah a granddaughter he adored. And the rest of us feel exactly the same. Their love, constancy, and presence enriched his life beyond measure.

Kermit loved his wife. He loved his sons. He absolutely worshipped his beloved Boston Terrier, Jodie. But perhaps the passion that accompanied him through every season of his life was the game of golf — and the deep camaraderie he shared with the many friends who joined him on fairways, greens, and the occasional questionable lie.

He left us with a great deal of wisdom, but the lesson he repeated more than any other was this: “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Over the years, those words have proven true time and time again.

But today, we hope these words are wrong. Because we can see him now on the most beautiful course imaginable — sunshine over his shoulder, breeze at his back — raising a cold beer and saying, “Well done, boys. Well done.”

If any of you have photos of Dad that you’d like to share we encourage you to upload them to this memorial…and please leave your comments as well.

Thank you from Connie, John, Rick, and Rusty as we yell FORE! to the sky — because the heavens have gained one hell of a character!

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Post a message or share your memories and photos.

February 9, 2026

These are the absolute best pics!! Love y’all so much and thinking of you ❤️

Leah Turley

February 5, 2026

I would like to offer Rick, Connie and family sympathy of Kermit’s transition. Rick has has been a huge part of my life and shared so many years, of joy, fun and tears along the way and he is such a wonderful human being, that always lights up a room. Thank you for Rick! I remember how kind you always were to me and felt welcome in your home even if we were not always behaving! I also fondly remember that camping trip many years ago with you, Connie, Rick and some of our friends. That’s a few of the memories I’ll cherish. Peace be with you.

Cheryl Canady

February 4, 2026

Dear Connie and family. Our deepest sympathy, prayers and love at the physical loss of Kermit. In in memory and love, loss has no meaning Far away in miles but close in heart. Our love, John and Shirley Cottle

John and Shirley Cottle

February 3, 2026

Sure gonna miss him. Especially our phone calls every 2 or 3 weeks. And am so thankful for all the memories of our big family get togethers Kermit and Connie had thru the years. And he always checked on family members especially if they were dealing with illnesses. And of course we’d joke around and laugh while on the phone. One of us always came up with “remember when?”

Pam Abbott

February 3, 2026

These are such AMAZING family photos!!! (And I must say that Mr. Kermit and Mrs. Connie are fabulous in all of them, all of you are- from precious babies to adulthood! You are one good looking family!) Steve, Conley, and I are so very, very sorry for your loss… We have loved Rick for may years.. It breaks our hearts to see you all suffering whether it be from sadness and loss or illness.. When I saw all these lovely photos and the “Hole in One” award I said to myself, “Kermit Lawson Hit the Hole in One when he married Connie and has these precious children!” And we know you all will miss him so much and we know he’s waiting to see you again someday.. God Bless all of you in the sad time..

Meg Conley Austin

February 3, 2026

Hi, extended family. John tells me that some of you have asked for downloads of some of the photos posted here. This hosting site does not offer that functionality but if you would care to email me which specific photo(s) you want I can try to email them to you. My email is rlawson32205@gmail.com.

Rick Lawson

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If you have fond memories of Dad and would like to honor him, we’ve chosen a charity that we know would have made him incredibly happy. PGA REACH works to open the game of golf to kids of every background, offering access and opportunity regardless of financial means.

Donations can be made here: https://give.pgareach.org/give/650684/?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Web&utm_campaign=PGAJL_Restricted_DonationForm&utm_id=PGA+Jr.+League+Restricted#!/donation/checkout Please be sure to check the “In Memory Of” box to donate in Kermit’s honor.

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