Jack Lawhon

Jack Lawhon, 86, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2013 of natural causes at Peace Hospice. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 2 p.m., at First United Methodist Church located at 610 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls. Jack was born January 2, 1927 in Huntington, WV, to Leonard and Thelma Lawhon. The second of five sons: Jerry, Donald, Leonard Jr., and Charles P (Bud), Jack was the last surviving member of his family. Jack joined the Air Force in 1945, and the war ended five days after he completed basic training. He was last stationed at East Base (Malmstrom) MT in 1954, where he was honorably discharged. Jack fell in love with Montana and made it his home. Brothers Donald, Leonard Jr., and Charles (Bud) followed. Jack worked for Meadow Gold Dairy for 28 years, retiring as a purchasing agent in 1983. Also in 1983, Jack was introduced to Nina Tosten. He thought that she was too pretty to date him. Then on October 2, 1984, on the way to go fishing with Nina and her father, he married his beloved wife, Nina. They have enjoyed all these years together in several pursuits like spending the winter months in Arizona, camping, hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, and especially visiting with neighbors, friends and spending time with family. In 1985, Jack saw a cane made of diamond willow. That started his lifelong, hobby of diamond willow carving. He developed his art of carving walking sticks, canes, plant stands, crosses and many other beautiful carved items. Many people are enjoying them throughout the United States and in parts of Europe. Jack is survived by his sweet Nina and daughter Carol “Sue” Jenkins- (Jeff) Eppers. Jack considered Nina’s children, Robyn (John) Zuniga, Brenda Kukay, Becky Kukay, and Doug Kukay as his own. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 9 great- grandchildren, 2 great-great -grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death and welcomed home by the aforementioned brothers and parents, and ex-wife Ruth; daughter Patricia Arlene; and son-in-law Jason Dillabough. The family wishes to thank all the loving, caring friends and neighbors that supported them through this past year. Also thanks to all the doctors, nurses and therapists that cared for and loved him.