Jack Lee Lawson

Jack L. Lawson

March 15, 1945 – February 13, 2026

Jack Lee Lawson was born March 15, 1945, in Yoder, Colorado, to Glenn and Beulah (Tipton) Lawson. Though named Jackie, he wanted to be known simply as Jack. He attended Alta Vista, Simla, and Calhan schools, graduating from Calhan High School in 1963. He briefly attended Fort Lewis College and the University of Northern Colorado before enlisting in the United States Navy as a radioman during the Vietnam War from 1966-1970. After his military service, Jack returned to Colorado and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business in 1973  

Jack then returned home to Calhan, where he began building the life that would define him. He purchased his first few head of cattle and soon found his footing both on the prairie and in construction. Jack became a respected homebuilder, constructing many homes throughout eastern Colorado including several homes his own family would live in over the years. Homebuilding was more than a career to Jack; it was a craft. He was a perfectionist with an exceptional mind for detail, known for doing things the right way, the precise way, and never cutting corners. He taught countless lessons to those who worked alongside him, with patience (most of the time), dry wit, and the occasional ornery remark.

While construction was a significant part of his life, Jack found his true passion in raising cattle. Through Lawson Angus, he built a respected herd of registered black Angus and became known for raising quality bulls. He took pride in his cattle and approached ranching the same way he approached everything, with careful thought, steady effort, and a commitment to doing it well. He also devoted countless hours helping his daughters with their 4-H sheep and cattle projects, sharing his knowledge and instilling in them the same work ethic and care he lived by.

Jack was quiet but witty, kind-hearted, and deeply loving toward his family. He showed his love through his actions, through the homes he built, the lessons he taught, and the steady presence he provided. He married the love of his life, Joan Pieper, on December 18, 1976. Together they built a life in Calhan, raising their family and serving their community. Though his 2018 “Complete Dispersal & Final Bull Sale” turned out not to be as final as advertised, Jack officially officially retired from cattle in 2022. Those who knew him understood that cattle were never far from his mind.

In 2020, Jack and his brother-in-law, Earl Enix, purchased the Skaggs building in Calhan originally erected in 1920 as the Calhan Motor Company. Restoring the building became one of Jack’s proudest projects. He loved working in the shop, carefully bringing it back to life, and was always glad to share it with anyone who stopped by. It was a place where his craftsmanship, curiosity, and love for history all came together.

Jack is survived by his cherished wife, Joan; his daughters, Lori Hollis (Preston) and Lindsey Lawson-Preisser (Taylor); and his beloved granddaughters, Beulah and Dorothea Preisser. He is also survived by his siblings, Glenna Ely, Jeannie Wager, and Dexter Lawson (Carol).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Beulah Lawson; his niece, Marci Lawson; and his brothers-in-law, Jim Wager and Chester Ely.

Jack will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, and granddad; a skilled craftsman; a respected cattleman; and a man who did everything with thought, care, and intention.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the historic Calhan Motor Company building located at 425 Colorado Ave, Calhan, Colorado, a place he was proud to restore and call his shop. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calhan FFA Chapter, the Calhan Fire Department or the Eastern Plains Community Pantry.