Duane Leon Lawson, 86, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at The Pines.

Duane was born July 8, 1939 in Novinger, Missouri, the son of the late Emery Wilson and Oletha Pauline (Goucher) Lawson. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Sharon Lindquist. On November 25, 1988 in Kirksville, Missouri, Duane was united in marriage to Karen Sue VanLaningham who preceded him in death on January 30, 2025.

Duane is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Tina Lawson of Kirksville, MO; step-son, Joe Schmitter and wife Teresa of Columbia, MO; four grandchildren, Ben (Sadie) Lawson of Overland Park, KS, Maddie (Bo) Bell of Kirksville, MO, and Gretchen Schmitter and Kyra Schmitter both of Columbia, MO; four great-grandchildren, Natalee Bell, Genevieve Bell, Hanes Bell, and Charlotte "Charley" Lawson; as well as nieces and nephews.

Duane was a graduate of Novinger R-I High School with the Class of 1957. He worked for Burns Masonry, Wheeler Masonry, and started Lawson Masonry that he owned and operated for approximately twenty years. Upon retiring from brick laying Duane had a woodworking shop he enjoyed working in for many years. Duane was a talented woodworker and made many beautiful pieces for family and friends. He was also an avid reader.

Duane was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. He also had a special friend, "Barney the Dog" who traveled around Kirksville with him.

Public visitation will be held Sunday, July 27, 2025 from noon to 1:00 p.m. service time in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Pastor David VanLaningham will officiate the service and interment will follow the service at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Ben Lawson, Bo Bell, Danny Phillips, Dick Weber, Dale McGlothlin, and Larry Hannah. Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren, Natalee Bell, Genevieve Bell, Hanes Bell, Charlotte "Charley" Lawson.

Memorial donations in memory of Duane may be made to Novinger Renewal, Inc., or to the Adair County Historical Society and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.