Darla "June" Lawson

She was born January 16, 1931 in East Peoria to Frank A. and Dorothy Wilma (Merriman) Himes.

June married Ellwood “Woody” Lawson on September 29, 1962 in Pekin. He died April 21, 2010. She was also preceded in death by one son, Steven C. Baumgardner; two son-in-laws, William “Bill” Hilst and Darrell Carrington and two brothers, Marvin E. Himes and Kenneth D. Himes.

Surviving are five children, Carol Hilst of East Peoria, Bonnie Carrington, Richard (Daniela) Lawson and Carol (Terry) Monks, all of Pekin and Connie Berry of Manito; twelve grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and one sister, Donna (Jim) O’Neill of Pekin.

June attended Delavan schools and graduated from Illinois Central College in 1983 with a degree in Library Science.

Woody and June owned and operated Lawson’s Bait & Tackle and Woody’s Corner Tap, both in Pekin.

She was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Friends of the Pekin Library and not only donating blood during her lifetime, she was also a volunteer at the American Red Cross for 15 years.

June was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Pekin.

Her graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin. Pastor Brad Martin will officiate. There will be no visitation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Villas of Hollybrook for their impeccable care and love. Also to Transitions Hospice Care for their commitment and dedication towards June’s peaceful passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be given to First Baptist Church, Kitchen Fund, 700 South Capitol Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or the Pekin Library, 301 South 4th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or Tazewell County Museum, 1515 South Capitol Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society, Post Office Box 312, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com