Michael Lawson, 63, of Centralia passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025. He was born on July 28, 1962, in Centralia, the son of Rolland Sr. and Veola (Willis) Lawson. He married Alicia Crump and they later divorced.
Survivors that will mourn Michael’s passing include his sons, Michael Lawson Jr. of AZ, and Andrew McDaniel of Centralia, IL; brothers, Rolland Lawson Jr. and wife Agnes of Henderson, NV, and Calvin Lawson and wife Dana of Centralia, IL; sister, Algerine Norris of GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Darwin Lawson.
Michael was one of the kindest and giving spirits that will be greatly missed. He was the man you would call when you wanted to have good vibes and good laughs. His signature laugh that you could hear chopping through the loudest music.
(Stop and think about it, allow yourself to smile.)
When it came to a meal he took after his mother, Veola and could make a feast out of the least. Blue ribbon barbecue master chef, to all that enjoyed his ribs tips, snoots, well any part of the pig you can eat, which to him was all of it. That flavor could rival any restaurant. He was an entrepreneur. He knew how to make a way.
Life tattered him but even in a dark place he was a light and hope for the hopeless. He enjoyed fishing, he loved working and cooking for the youth. Some may consider his contributions to be small but to us, they were huge. He was a loving father, fun hood rich uncle and the best cousin/brother. Cheers to a man whose love you never had to work for.
A celebration of life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation time from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Michael’s honor to the Family’s Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Michael may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
