Lawson Rippeth, 69, passed away peacefully at his home in Coalton Saturday, Nov. 24. He was surrounded by his children the moment he went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his late wife, Sandy.
Lawson is survived by his four children: Angie (Charlie) Bretz of Wellston, Jeff Rippeth of Coalton, PJ (Amanda) Rippeth of Columbus, and Tracey (Donovan) Workman of Jackson. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Hadrian Rippeth, Gracie Lynn Workman, and his best buddy, Gavin Workman; one brother, Rodney Rippeth of Coalton; multiple nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as Jimmy Ferguson, former son-in-law and good friend.
Preceding Lawson in death was his beloved wife of 48 years, Sandy Rippeth; his parents, Helen Rippeth and Francis Rippeth; brothers, Dwight (infant), Roger and Dick Rippeth; and precious grandbaby, Abigail Rippeth.
Lawson was a 30-plus-year employee for the Jackson City Police Department, as well as working four years at the Jackson County Courthouse.
“Dad was a lifelong songwriter, singer and musician. Dad and his good friend Walt Cook were local celebrities with their music and had success with Dad’s song, “Goodbye Cleveland,” which they put onto a record in Cincinnati in the late 60s. Dad was also an avid outdoorsman. He loved anything and everything to do with nature, artifacts, horses, rodeos, caves, walking and hiking. He also loved playing badminton, and whoever spent time at Dad’s house knew this. Dad was a huge, lifelong fan of the old westerns. He preferred watching his Spin and Marty and Roy Rogers DVD’s over anything he could find on TV. Dad was a cowboy through and through, even though he didn’t have his own horse. John Wayne was always his hero, and Dad was always ours. He was a man who had numerous friends who turned to him for advice and spiritual guidance. He was a man of strong faith and he lived his life according to the Word. We couldn’t be more proud to call him Dad, or more sad to tell him goodbye. We will, however, see you and Mom again. Knowing that makes it all a little bit easier. Like you said, dad, ‘It will be better tomorrow’…”
Funeral arrangements will be held at the Lewis-Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson. Viewing will be Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. Burial will be at the Fairmount Cemetery in Jackson. Online condolences to www.e-k-lewisfuneral.com