Richard Kenneth Lawler

Richard Kenneth Lawler, son of the late Lester Richard and Clyda Mae (Harlamert) Lawler, was born March 8, 1938, in Hartville. He passed away on Oct. 19, 2026, in Willow Springs, at the age of 88. Kenneth was united in marriage to Beverly Jo Lawson on June 3, 1961. Beverly passed away in 2001. Kenneth was united in marriage to Nealma Masengill on Nov. 18, 2019. For many years, Kenneth owned and operated a very successful auto body repair shop where he specialized in rebuilding salvage vehicles in the Toyota brand. He was known as “Mr. Fix-it.” In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, boating, dancing, and traveling to Colorado. Kenneth rededicated his life to the Lord in October of 2025.
Besides his parents and first wife, Kenneth was preceded in death by siblings, Yvonne Wiggins, Deloris Spencer, Lavon Lawler, Jim Lawler, Ray Lawler and Sandra Mack; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Nealma Lawler; step-children, Connie Stuart (Pat), of Willow Springs, and Jerry Masengill (Michelle), of Springfield; step-granddaughter, Nikki Wake (Nathan), of Willow Springs; step-great-grandchildren, Natalie, Noah, Nixon and Neely Wake, of Willow Springs; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. Kenneth was a good husband, friend and neighbor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove with Pastor Wayne Martin officiating.
Special songs were “I’ll Fly Away,” “It Is Well” and “Amazing Grace” performed by Terry Friend, Samuel Bishop, Tonya Martin and Shelby Atchley. Raymond Bishop, Samuel Bishop, Tim Lawler, Russ Lawson, Zach Dewitt and Connie Prock served as pallbearers.
Burial was in the Friendship Cemetery, Dawson, under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dawson Assembly of God in memory of Kenneth. Online condolence: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.