Joseph Alden Lawson

Joe Lawson, beloved husband, father, papa, uncle, brother, and friend passed away unexpectedly at home, on September 1st, with his soulmate and best friend, Michelle, by his side. Joe was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Velma and Paul Lawson. After high school at duPont Manual, Joe served in the Army for 8 years and that is what eventually led him to Washington. Joe’s parents had an antique shop and he had friends in the auctioneering business, so antiques and auctioneering were a passion Joe always possessed. When Joe had an opportunity to fall into the auction business, he thought that it would be fun and the rest is history. The knowledge he gained through the years was incredible and impressed everyone who met him and his ability to entertain while auctioneering will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew, loved, and followed him through auctions. Joe was a vibrant, giving, hardworking, patient, generous, happy, kind and loving soul – and those are just a small handful of the words that others would describe him as. It was rare to ever hear him decline to help someone in need, or to lend a hand, listening ear, or anything at all that was needed by someone. Joe had a passion and willingness to support the needs of others, putting them before himself, any time of the day or night. Without hesitation he would work tireless hours to make sure his loved ones were taken care of. Joe’s heart was as big as the world and the love he had for others was indescribable. He had the ability to make you laugh, solve a problem, drive you crazy, ease your pain, and do all of these things while loving you unconditionally. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle Lawson; his children Christina (Sung) Pak, Brian (Melissa) Lawson, and April Lawson; his four grandchildren, Noble, Hazel, Leland and Ember Pak; his sisters Marilyn Miller (Harold), Linda Hides and Ernestine Jacobs; as well as loving brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews in Washington, Nevada, Kentucky, and Maryland. A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Tuesday, September 12th, 2017 at Sumner United Methodist Church (901 Wood Ave, Sumner, WA 98390). Reception to immediately follow from 4:00pm-5:00pm.