Leon W. Lawson

Lyndonville, VT: Leon William Lawson, age 91, of East Street, died peacefully at his home after a recent decline in his health, Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Leon was born on June 4, 1935, in Cabot, VT, and raised there, son to the late Leon W. Sr., and Leona (Pierce) Lawson. He graduated from Cabot High School and entered the Army National Guard and then U.S. Air Force, serving 21 years and retiring with the rank of Technical Sergeant. Leon worked in jet refueling and received an Award for Valor in 1957 for his efforts during the refueling of a KC97 Stratotanker, saving it from fire by removing equipment in close proximity. He was stationed in New York, Florida, New Jersey, Maine, Tiawan, North Africa and Thailand over the years. He married Joyce Barnett and shared 43 years at the time of her passing. He lived in Cabot and St. Johnsbury after retirement before moving to Lyndonville and later remarried on May 2, 2014, to Gertrude (Grant) Chamberlain. They have shared over 12 years together. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, stock car racing, working on pit crews in Northfield and at Spud Speedway in Maine.

Leon is survived by his wife, Gertrude, of Lyndonville, 3 children: Ronald Lawson (Kathy) of VA, Robert Lawson (Debby) of Waterford, Gale Galvin (Don) of Lyndonville, his daughter-in-law: Joanne of St. Johnsbury, 2 sisters: Nancy Siemens of FL, Joyce Westbrook (Gerry) of VA, 7 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his son: Richard Lawson in 2022 and 2 sisters: Alice Millard and Lora.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at the Danville Green Cemetery at 10AM on Thursday, August 6, 2026. There will be no calling hours.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.guibordfh.com