Kenneth Gerard Lawson

Kenneth “Tank” Gerard Lawson

Kenneth (Kenny) “Tank” Gerard Lawson was born on December 2, 1968, in Fulda, Germany to Maria and Lionel Lawson.  Tank passed away on February 27, 2023, at Canyon Vista Medical Center after a long battle with several illnesses. 

Tank spent his life living in Germany and the United States.  In 1977, Tank and his family moved to Fort Huachuca as Tank’s father was in the military.  Tank and his family lived on Fort Huachuca until 1982, when Tank’s father retired and the family moved to Hixson, Tennessee.  The family returned to Arizona in 1983.  During high school, Tank worked as a delivery carrier for the Sierra Vista Herald and worked at Bosa Donuts.  Tank graduated from Buena High School.  While in high school, Tank was involved in JROTC.  He enjoyed this experience.  Out of his love for food and cooking, Tank joined the US Army in 1986 as a food specialist/cook.  He spent three years in the military and was stationed in Germany for some of his enlistment.   He moved back to Sierra Vista after leaving the US Army.  He became employed as the manager at Long John Silver’s in the 1990’s. 

Tank was close to his family, to his friends, and his beloved dogs, Spike and Blue.  His older sister and his younger siblings would say it wasn’t always easy growing up with Tank.  He would pick on them consistently but would always be there for his siblings.  His sister remembers all the times he would tie her shoelaces together when he crawled under the dining room table.  In 1995, Tank had his son, Kalan, who he was very proud of, and Kalan was the joy of his life.  Tank always wanted the best for his son.

In 2003, Tank went to work for Civil Service as a gate guard on Fort Huachuca.  He later transitioned to Raymond W. Bliss Medical Center as a Medical Support Assistant.  Tank worked hard, but he also enjoyed his life.  He loved to fish, hunt deer, play cards, garden, and spend time with family and friends.  Tank shared his game, fish, and produce with family and friends.  Tank was a man who enjoyed a sense of humor, the basic goodness and generosity of his character, by the quality of his involvement with fellow man, and how he brought out these qualities in others. 

Tank was a long-time resident of Whetstone.  Kenny was an avid hunter and fisherman, as well as a huge Dallas Cowboys fan.  Tank loved to watch videos on You Tube and Tic Tok.  He enjoyed the oldies and music by Elvis Presley.  He enjoyed dressing up when he worked at Raymond W. Bliss Medical Center.  He played Santa for many years.  He also dressed up as Elvis and a vampire for Halloween. 

There were many wonderful aspects of Tank’s life, and many ways that he touched our lives.  He will be remembered as a great father, a big brother, a good friend, a funny uncle and cousin, outdoorsman, a gardener, a cook, a dart player and a friendly face in town.  In all these ways and more, he made our lives richer and fuller.  Now that he has passed away, of course there is emptiness and pain, confusion and maybe even anger at death coming to a man of only 54 years, but in many ways, the gift of Tank’s life is still here with use.  He lives on in our memories and stories.  So, I encourage you to share—today, tomorrow and in the years to come-your memories and stories. 

Tank is survived by his son, Kalan.  He is also survived by his siblings: Patricia (Paul); Eric (Kendra); and Christine (Kirc).  He has several nieces and nephews; as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews: Steven (Jill), Jessica (Daniel), Paul (Jamie), Jennifer (Zachariah); Bryce, Brianna, Alexander (grandnephew), Samantha (grandniece), and Zya (grandniece), and lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Maria and Lionel Lawson.  He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Michael, Thomas, and Brian.

A funeral service will be held at Buffalo Soldier Chapel on Fort Huachuca on March 25 at 1 pm with Father Sylvester Ileka performing the service and will be interned at the Southern Arizona Veterans Cemetery on March 27 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to S.A.H.A.R.A. Food pantry or Cochise Oncology Foundation.

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