Roy "Dearl" Lawhon

Roy Dearl Lawhon, 79, went home to be with Jesus on September 25, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.

Dearl was born on May 26, 1947, in Stamford, Texas, to Lois and Roy Lawhon. Around the age of six, his family moved to the Kleberg area, where he grew up and started working at the age of 14 for Culver Sheet Metal, before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army for three years. Dearl turned his passion for craftsmanship into a lifelong calling, building a custom home building business with his wife of 39 years Geraldine “Gerry” Truitt. Dearl and Gerry spent their time traveling with family and friends – visiting almost every state in the US.

Dearl loved to give back to his church family – helping to establish the Lewisville SDA church and school and building both facilities. After moving back to Kemp, he was an active and faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served on the Building & Grounds Committee, always eager to use his hands and skills to care for and improve the church.

A devoted husband, loving father, trusted friend, and a great poppy, Dearl lived life with enthusiasm and a generous heart. On March 17, 2019, Dearl married his wife, Carol Jean, and together they filled their years with love, adventure, and companionship.

Dearl was a man of many passions. A lifelong racing enthusiast, he loved stock car racing. Starting out at the Thunderbird Speedway in Crandall, TX racing with his brother Ronnie Cooper, his uncle Ray Baker and brother-in-law Charles Culver, to racing with children Sandy & Jerry Davis and several of his nephews at Cowtown Speedway then finishing up at 85 Speedway in Ennis, TX alongside his great-granddaughter Taylor Halcumb, something he was so very proud of. Whether Dearl was behind the wheel, under the hood rebuilding an engine, bringing an old car back to life or cheering on his favorite drivers while watching NASCAR on Sunday afternoons, he loved the sport. He had a competitive, fun-loving spirit and always enjoyed a good game, whether playing cards, dominoes, or cornhole with family and friends. 

Dearl and Carol Jean shared a deep love for travel and exploring new places, whether journeying in their RV and motorhome, cruising to Alaska and international destinations, or flying across the country to admire beautiful scenery and experience new cultures.

Dearl was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Truitt Lawhon; his son, Jerry Davis Lawhon; his parents, Lois and Roy; his brother, Ronnie Cooper; and his sister, Marella Hall.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Jean Lawhon of Kemp, TX; his daughters, Sandy Ramsey and husband Gary of Scurry, TX, Christie Johnson and husband Terry of Crandall, TX, Shelly Gensler-Payne and husband Terry of Scurry, TX, and Jordan Rivera and husband Carlos of Lake Dallas, TX; step-children, Kim Amos and husband Al, Keith Betts and wife Blanca, Kelly Betts and wife Rachel; his sisters, Jeanie Culver and husband Charles, Diann Chavez and husband Ernie, and brother in law Sonny Truitt and wife Sharon; his cherished grandchildren, Janice Baugus, Jamie Wuest, Trey Evans, Hayley Lawhon, Justin Gensler, Jason Gensler, Becky Williams, Noah Rivera, and Caleb Rivera; step-grandchildren, Carson Moore, Briana Moore, Tryce Betts, Matthew Betts, Grace Holt, Jack Betts & Skylar Amos, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

Service Details:

A service celebrating Dearl’s life will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM at:

Calvary Baptist Church

20211 St. Hwy 274

Kemp, TX 7514