Calvin Leon Lawson Jr.

Calvin Leon Lawson Jr., 32, of Indianapolis (formerly of Centralia, Illinois), passed away on October 14, 2022. Born February 25, 1990, in Centralia, he was the beloved son of Calvin Lawson Sr. and Felisicia Lytle. Calvin was a proud father who delighted in celebrating his children’s accomplishments and carried their names and achievements with obvious pride.

Friends and family remember Calvin for his contagious smile and his love of life. He was a natural athlete who enjoyed playing basketball and showing his moves on the court. Beyond sports, Calvin expressed himself through writing — keeping a journal and turning his thoughts into heartfelt poetry, song lyrics, and spiritual reflections. Those creative moments offered a window into his thoughtful, expressive nature.

Calvin’s family included his partner Ashley Davis and his children Jonathyn Mapp and Nevaeh Davis-Lawson, along with a broad circle of relatives who survive him: his parents; grandmother; siblings and stepsiblings; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by several beloved elders and relatives whose memories he carried with him.

A celebration of Calvin’s life was held on October 28, 2022, at New Bethel Baptist Church in Centralia, where friends and relatives gathered to honor the warmth, creativity, and joy he brought to their lives. The family invited memorials to be made to the funeral home to assist with service expenses, and they welcomed shared memories and condolences through the funeral home’s guestbook.

Calvin’s memory endures in the stories shared by those who loved him, in the poems and words he left behind, and in the laughter and pride he took in his children. He is remembered for his energy, his expressive spirit, and the deep love he held for family and community.