Kennewick- Joseph Thomas Lawson Junior (Tommy), 89, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Hospice House in Kennewick. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Jean, two children Deborah Wood (Jade Wood) and David Lawson. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Ashley Garlick (Matt Garlick), Jayson Wood and Nicholas Wood. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was born in Appanoose Township, Kansas, to Joseph T. Lawson Sr. and Verna J. (Riffle) Lawson. Tom lived in Kansas on the family farm until joining the Navy at the age of 19 in January of 1945. He served in the Navy until 1947. Tom enjoyed telling stories to his children and grandchildren about his Navy days. Tom received two medals while serving in the Navy, the American Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Tom was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge. Tom moved to Southern California after leaving the Navy and started working as a warehouse worker at Tree Sweet. Tree Sweet was where he met the love of his life, Jean, who he later married March 19, 1955. He later left Tree Sweet to start a lawn care business with his brother, Valentine Lawson. After leaving the lawn business, he went to work for McDonald Douglas Aircraft as a machinist. He retired on a disability from McDonald Douglas in 1975. He was very fortunate to be able to stay home with his wife and raise their two children David and Debbie. Tom moved his family to Kennewick, Washington in 1978 to be near his family and spend time in the peaceful outdoors. He loved to fish and spend time near the water. In his later years Tom took extreme pride in his grandchildren and was always there for them. He was an amazing soccer Grandpa and their biggest fan. His grandkids were his pride and joy. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph T. Lawson Sr., his mother, Verna J. Lawson, his brother Valentine V. Lawson and his three sisters, Mary E. Lawson, Estella M. Richardson and Ester P. Watts. A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 30th, 2016 at Desert Lawn 1401 S. Union St., Kennewick, WA 99338 at 10:00 a.m. There will be a family and friends gathering after the service at the family home. Always stay humble and kind.