Howard "Budgie" Lawson

HOWARD "BUDGIE" LAWSON, 80, passed away in the arms of Jesus, to his final resting place on Saturday, February 2, 2013. He was born in Huntington on February 15, 1932 to the late Murlie and Roma Lawson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his older brother, Roma Lawson Jr. Budgie was married to Freida (Childers) with whom he had daughters.  They were the pride and joy of his life;  LaDonna (Setliff) and husband Tony Taylor of Huntington, Rhonda and husband Brad Franklin of Clarksburg, and Dianna (Childers) Perdue of NC. Budgie was given granddaughters, Andrea (Peaches) and husband Jacob Smith, Emily and husband Billy Lee, and great-granddaughter, Brianna Davidson.  Grandsons:  Brandon and Justin Franklin and Todd Setliff; great-grandson Christopher Setliff. His grandsons will act as pallbearers. Budgie also had a lifelong best friend and camping/fishing buddy, Jack Ferguson. Budgie was serving in the U.S. Navy when, in 1967, he was coming home to his family and was hit by a drunk driver, leaving him in a coma for almost a year. Slowly he recovered and he began to live again. He developed an extreme love for cars and trucks of every make and model. He also enjoyed time with his family eating out, having cookouts, playing horseshoes and making  homemade ice cream.  Those things put a smile on his face. Working puzzles while watching Andy Griffith.  That was what Budgie called living. This all changed in June of 2010 when he had a series of falls which broke first his right hip, then his left hip, then both arms. Still he bounced back until January 2013. That was when he had a bad stroke, which after two weeks ended his final lap on this earth. But Budgie loved Jesus and lived by His example. He will be missed every day by all his family, which was with  him until the end. Even his favorite dogs, Niki and Piglet, will forever miss him. Goodnight Dad. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Beard Mortuary, Huntington, with Pastor Steve Willis officiating. Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.beardmortuary.com

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