Joseph Benjamin "Joe" Lawson Sr., 67, of Zion Grove, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Shenandoah on June 17, 1956, Joe was the son of the late Peter Paul "Pete" Lawson Sr. and Elizabeth Jane "Betty" (Dower) Lawson. Joe was a 1974 graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School. He then went on to work for Reading Anthracite, and later Northeast Prestressed Products, from which he retired in the summer of 2023. Joe was an active member of his community. He joined the Rescue Hook and Ladder Fire Co. in 1979, and became secretary in 1984. Joe was also a key member in establishing their block party, his recipes now being well known and loved in Shenandoah. Joe served as Fire Chief from 1992 until 1993, forging strong friendships within the Shenandoah Fire Dept., many whom he considered to be family. Joe also served as Shenandoah's Borough Council President from 1998 until 2002, and fought to better the town he loved so much. In his spare time, you could find Joe playing the piano, many referring to him as "The Piano Man". His love for music was immense, starting at a very young age. He was well known in his community for his musical talent, forming a band called The Diamonds, who played together from 1974 until 1980, and playing in various churches, weddings, events, the Shenandoah Valley Drama Club, and most recently at the Shenandoah Manor for the residents, especially his mother-in-law, Joan, and late mother, Betty. Joe's greatest joy in life was his family. His grandchildren were his best friends. He leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Susan "Susie" (Caulfield) Lawson; a daughter, Rachael Lawson-Yeager with her husband Josh; a son, Joseph Benjamin "Ben" Lawson Jr. and partner Amanda Arnold; grandchildren, Asher and Paisley Lawson, Harper and Liam Yeager, and Sonny Arnold; a brother, Paul Lawson and his wife Deborah, of Frackville, and their daughter Laura Young and husband CJ a sister, Paula Jo Hornberger and her husband Lance, of Ringtown, and their children Austin and wife Victoria, Mitchell, and Joyanne, along with great nieces and nephew. Scripture and prayer services will be held on Saturday morning, April 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah with Reverend Craig Zimmerman officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday morning from 8:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy as contributions in Joe's memory can be made to the Rescue Hook and Ladder Fire Co., 201 North Main Street, Shenandoah and will be also be accepted at the funeral home. Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in care of the arrangements. To offer condolences to Joe's family, please sign the guest book below. Visitation Saturday, April 13, 2024 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home 132 S Jardin St. Shenandoah, PA 17976 Scripture Service Saturday, April 13, 2024 11:00 AM Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home 132 S Jardin St. Shenandoah, PA 17976