Gary Wayne Lawson, 70, AKA “Mary Jean’s Boy,” left this Earth peacefully on Thursday, May 11, 2017. He was born August 22, 1946 to Alvin and Mary Jean Kiefer. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother, Mary Jean Kiefer of Indianapolis; sisters, Gloria Lawson of Nashville, IN, and Susan (Dan) Drinkut of Indianapolis; nephew, Brent (Emily Nave) Drinkut of Indianapolis; his biggest fan, black Labrador niece, Kate; along with more family and friends than one person could be blessed with.
Anyone who knew Gary was well-aware of the happiness and laughter they would experience while with him. He loved a good time and he was quite the prankster. He was a wonderful storyteller and knew a good bit about a lot of things (worthless knowledge as he liked to call it.)
Gary graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 1964. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during Vietnam and stationed in Alaska. Though he had many fond memories of that time in his life, he learned a valuable lesson his first day of basic training: don’t stand in front of the sergeant with your hands in your pockets. He was promptly ordered to sew shut the pockets of every pair of pants he owned. More recently he worked as a delivery driver for Advance Auto and was a member of the Hoosier Model Car Association.
One of the happiest times of his life were the Broad Ripple years, spent working at Crazy Al’s and The Patio. He met many lifelong friends during this period. He loved to dance and had a great passion for music and musicians, especially Springsteen, Clapton, Don Henley, The Band, The Stones, and Al Green, just to name a few. He was a huge movie buff and an avid reader, devouring anything by John Updike and Larry McMurtry, which brings us to Lonesome Dove, one of the greatest miniseries ever made. It has been said that if you ever want to know the true meaning of friendship, watch the last 30 minutes of Lonesome Dove. Perhaps you can hear Gary saying, “By God, Woodrow, it’s been one hell of a party.”
On that note, in memory of Gary, please share a “Gary” story, overtip a server, plant a purple tree (as Gary called the Red Buds), or just be kind to someone.
You were one-of-a-kind, Gary. We’re all going to miss you.
Per Gary’s wishes there will be no funeral services. Please watch for information on a celebration of life in the near future.
Kathy Smith says
Only met Gary one time when Sue, Gary, and I went to a movie a few months ago. What a wonderful person with a big heart and a beautiful smile! Rest in peace and show them how to laugh in heaven.
Amy Bayless says
You were very well loved, very well enjoyed, and will be very well missed, GW aka Master Lawson. Thanks for all the laughs, memories and heartfelt discussions. Happy trails, off to your next adventure.
Kellie Rae says
Gary always had a kind (and hilarious) word for everyone on Facebook. I’m sorry I never got to meet him in person but am grateful to have connected with him on social media. He will be missed! I keep picturing him taking a final bow and walking off into a vast field of poppies.LOL
Ginger Monka says
I remember Gary, and I think Gloria as well sitting in the air halfway up the corridor wall at the old Crazy Al’s. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Randy King says
When Gary spoke he somehow made every word special, as if it were a message of deep philosophical wisdom. And that was always accompanied by a sly wink-and-nod look. He was a treat any time I met him. It was a special gift to have had Gary Lawson in our lives.
Dave Weidenbener says
One of the most unique and entertaining people I’ve ever met
Ed miller says
I worked with Gary for 10-12 years at carquest we had a great time and talked about a lot of things we had names we called each other can’t put them here I will miss talking to him and sharing sharing things about old songs go bye old friend
Jacque (Cain) Johnson says
My heart is sad to learn of Gary’s passing. So many fun memories growing up in the same neighborhood. Last saw him at our 45th class reunion. RIP my dear friend. Thanks for always making me laugh.
Ed Choate says
I first met Gary, Carnum C. Crane to me for 47 years, when he walked into my wedding on 2/14/1970 to meet up with Gloria upon his return home from Alaska, and we have been like brothers since. Be it when we dressed in drag, listening to music as loud as we could, telling his great stories, enjoyin his sex education program, or going to the movies (did you know he has every ticket stub of every movie he has seen since 1970?), or talking about any topic under the sun as he built his models, I loved every minute I spent with “Carny”. You will be greatly missed, brother. I think I’ll name my car after you!
Michael Usher says
The memories and fun, always a laugh and smile, a good heart and a unexpected surprise, always mischievous. You never knew what quite what to expect but you knew you were going to laugh. I passed Gary on Tuesday or Wednesday of last week in his red Honda at the corner of Westfield and Kessler and thought to myself, I hope he saw me and I should have waived. Life is too fast and too short. I will always have special memories from Crazy Al’s. Miss You
Pat Ryan says
It was 1980+ and my daughter was 5-6 years old. We would go to Crazy Al’s during the day for lunch. Gary would throw change under a booth when he saw us coming and direct us to sit there–so my daughter would crawl around and find the money. He also had her convinced that it was the law that if a child bit off (and spit out) the top of the Styrofoam cup until it was about 1-2 inches tall, then the waiter had to keep it filled with soda. That is my fondest memory of this great and funny guy.
Dennis Caudell says
What a great friend I found in Gary when I joined the HMCA. We had so much in common, we went to many model shows together all over the eastern US. You never had to dumb down a conversation with Gary, a true common-man intellectual. I will miss his “social commentary” tremendously.
John M. Hämmerling says
Gary –When I met you in September 1960 when someone knocked your books out of your hands in Scott Chandler’s Biology class at LCHS, I helped picking your books up, you had a copy of Road & Track. Gary and I shared an interest in Sports cars and Formula 1 racing. I’ll keep subscribing to Road & Track for you Gary. Many memories from the sixties watching Ed Sullivan Show at his house with his Mom. Gary and I went through basic together in 1966. So until I run into you again up there at a Grand Prix, Rock on… John M. Hämmerling, Melbourne , Florida
kathy Hess says
I met Gary in the 1973/74 era. We dated but were really just good friends. Gary was living in broad ripple and was living with band members of Eziekial Longspur. At their gigs he would sing Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road. We laughed and laughed. We lost touch for many years but reconnected on Facebook and talked on the phone. I will never ever forget him. RIP LOVE.
John O'Donnell says
I met Gary when he delivered parts to us at CarMax. Gary is my friend. I spoke with him by phone two days before his passing. Now I must focus on the wonderful times we shared life with each other.
Nancy Abel says
I can’t say it any better than all the others here have. You sly devil..!..what fun we all had in the Crazy Al’s days! RIP fellow traveler.
They are chuckling in Heaven now that you’ve arrived.
Amanda Anderson says
Ohhhh Uncle “Pete” you were one of a kind for sure! I will never forget the memories at family reunions and how you were always the life of the party! Many many laughs when you were around! Fly high!
Kristin Butsch says
Gary had a nickname of “Chicken” which I gave him in 1973 (because he walked like one!) in retaliation to his dedicating a song to me “Trixie Delight”. 44 years later I’m still called “Trix”. He was all that those have said herein and more…fun, smart, but first and foremost, kind…
Gloria, please let me know if I may, when the celebration will be. I’d like to attend and share something with you if we have a moment. My heart goes out to you, your family and all who are feeling the loss of this dear – never will be forgotten – one of a kind – friend.
Love and healing, Trix
Debbie Day says
I am grateful to have known you, laughed with you, talked with you, and proud to call you family. My kids adored you and were always excited for your visits. You were one of a kind and I will miss you. RIP, Cousin Pete, till we meet again.
Alice Pickler says
My husband I knew Gary for many, many years. Gary had a way of putting everyone at ease with his great sense of humour. We have many fond memories of Gary. He was sweet and kind and he will always be in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. RIP Gary.
Terri Tallman says
??????????CELEBRATE THE LIFE
?? Of ????
GARY LAWSON
June 8th
Knights of Columbus
2100 E. 71st St,
Indianapolis
Doors open 6pm til 10pm
MUSIC: The Strugglers,
Andra Faye, Randy
King, Chooch, Lee
McCullough, bring
your instrument and
jam!
GARY STORIES: Share
your favorite Gary
story!!
DANCING: Just like
Gary did!!
All ages welcome
Cash bar and kitchen
Tom Beck says
I tended bar with Gary at Crazy Al’s. He was an immediate friend. We worked up a dance routine on the bar to earn extra tips. Later in life we reconnected at the model club and it was like we working at Al’s again. Same old Gary. Rest In Peace friend.
Peg Tharp says
I knew Gary from Lawrence Central High School. I’m glad I reconnected with him via Facebook where his humor and kind heart were still very evident.