Lawson L. Schooley, 85, of Kingwood, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Lawson was born July 9, 1936, at Dent, near Fellowsville, Preston County. He was the son of the late William Ross and Lola (Shroyer) Schooley. Lawson enjoyed his time growing up on the farm at Dent and worked in the family general merchandise and farm supply store. Lawson’s family moved to Kingwood in 1952 from the family farm when his dad became sheriff of Preston County. Lawson married Marlene Walter, of Maple Run, Taylor County, on June 2, 1957.
Lawson attended Fellowsville grade school and graduated from Kingwood High School in 1954. He worked part time at the Preston Co. Journal until graduation and then became a full-time employee for 17 years. He was a pressman and laborer and soon became plant and advertising manager. He also edited and published the paper in the absence of the owner Richard Whetsell. Lawson, along with his wife Marlene, became the owners of Preston Hardware in 1971 and retired in 2002. He was a member of the Kingwood Merchants Association and served as treasurer. He was well respected for his knowledge and the help he gave everyone. He was a very calm and quiet person, always had a smile and was known as Mr. Hardware.
Lawson and Marlene were honored as Mainstreet Merchants of the year and was a member of a group that was honored as volunteers of the year. He received other business awards. He served on a committee for new city Christmas lights and helped organize the Merchants Street Fair. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church of Kingwood and served for several years on the board of trustees. He was always available when anything needed repaired at the church. Lawson spearheaded the project to restore the historic Stone-Bonafield house of Wesley United Methodist Church, which was built in 1852. His thousands of volunteer hours and his belief in this project resulted in saving another beautiful building to be placed on the register of historic places. Lawson was a member of the Kingwood Lions Club, has served as president, on the board of directors and other offices and with the sight mobile. He was also sight chairman for many years and was presented the Leonard Jarrett award in recognition of distinguished service for sight and hearing by the West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation.
Lawson was a 60-plus year member of the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department and served as president and on the board of directors, as well as other offices. He worked with the Buckwheat Festival as co-chairman of the entertainment committee for many years, and co-chair of the batter room, where they made batter for the thousands of buckwheat cakes served each festival. He also helped with the Kingwood Fire Department monthly buckwheat breakfasts. Lawson served for many years as committee chairman of Troop 81 Kingwood Boy Scouts. He was a volunteer for the Salvation Army. He was a member and chairman of the city planning commission for several years. Other committees and organizations included treasurer of the Young Republican Club and the Preston Memorial fund raising and memorial flower garden. Lawson and Marlene enjoyed many years with the Buckwheat Stompers Western Square Dance Club. Lawson loved spending time on his farm at Dent and helping others. Lawson spent many long hours during his working days building their home with lumber from the family farm.
Lawson is survived by his loving wife, Marlene, of 64 years; two sons, William Mark and wife, Julie, of Reedsville, and Michael and wife Robin, of Kingwood; four grandchildren, Adel Schooley, of Bruceton Mills, Tara and husband Bruce Helsley, of Kingwood, Alyssa and companion Justin Williams, of Morgantown, and Ryan and wife Natalia Schooley, of Davidson, N.C.; step-grandchildren, Jabin and Ashley Hart and Tiffany and Greg Dalton, all of Morgantown; 10 great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley and husband Willard “Bud” White, of Kingwood; and niece, Cheryl Rosier, of Fairmont.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Ray and Opal Walter.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bonnie Forman, her nurses, Amedisys Hospice’s nurses and aides, Wendy Browne and Carla Pell for their kindness and excellent help during this difficult time.
Friends will be received at Rotruck-Lobb Kingwood Chapel, 295 South Price St., from 2-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, and in the funeral home chapel, from noon until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Interment will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery, Marquess, where he will be laid to rest beside his father and mother.
Donations may be made in Lawson’s memory to the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department, 115 Brown Ave., Kingwood, WV 26537.
Masks will be required for visitation and the funeral services along with social distances.
Condolences:
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