Obituary of Jack Kemper Lawhorn

Jack K. Lawhorn, 81, of Hollins passed away on Friday, August 18, 2017. Family will receive friends at a memorial service and reception to be held 11 a.m. on  Thursday, August 24 at the Vinton War Memorial, 814 E. Washington Ave.

He was born in Vinton, VA on January 1, 1936 to Jesse and Blanche Lawhorn. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Lawhorn, niece Margie Lawhorn, nephew Raymond Lawhorn, cousin James Newton, and beloved aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

His memory will be cherished by his wife of 61 years, Jean Garman Lawhorn; son Mark Lawhorn of Roanoke; daughter Jenny Lawhorn Sammis and husband Scott of Arlington, VA; daughter Elizabeth Mercer and husband Chris of Woodstock, GA; grandchildren Maura Sammis, Harriet Sammis, and Levi Mercer; sister-in-law Annabel Lawhorn and nephew Kenneth Lawhorn of Yadkinville, NC; sisters Janice and Jessie Lawhorn of Dearborn, MI, and brothers Billy, Charlie, and Jamie Lawhorn.

A graduate of William Byrd High School, Roanoke College, and Arizona State University, he served his country in the United States Air Force and the NSA. A lifelong Roanoke resident, Mr. Lawhorn, with his wife, was a small business owner. He was an avid reader, student of world history and politics, and writer who enjoyed contributing opinion pieces and letters to the Roanoke Times. He was committed to animal rescue and adoption.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering donations to the League for Animal Protection, 603 Poor Farm Rd., Fincastle, VA 24090.