Jack Dean Lawless
May 20, 1959 ~ September 15, 2019
Jack Dean Lawless was born May 20, 1959. He died on September 15, 2019, at home in his sleep. Jack was from Columbus, Indiana.
He was a born musician and followed his passion throughout his life. Jack and his brother, Rick, had their own bands with Rick playing the drums and Jack on guitar. He was loved by everyone, the kindest man on earth. He was an incredible entertainer, a loving father, grandfather and husband and the most loyal friend anyone could find. He never knew a stranger.
Jack currently resided in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Rebecca Mae Lawless. They performed music together and toured extensively as Lawless and Mae.
The funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Carlstrom officiating. Visitation will be 1p.m. until time of the service Tuesday. Burial will follow at Bethel Baptist Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Jack Lawless Memorial Fund through the funeral home.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; mother, Anna Lee Hadley of Columbus; a daughter, Nikia (Jason) Carlstrom of Columbus; brother, James (Gail) Lawles Jr., and sisters, Jan Spears and Linda (Lonnie) Doty, all of Columbus; and grandchildren, Cristifer Lawles, Anamiah Lawles, Lily Carlstrom and Scarlett Carlstrom.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Hershel Lawles, brother, Rick Lawles, nephew, Ricky Lawles, Jr. and brother-in-law Dale Spears.
You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet. Information: www.jewellrittman.com.
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I am sorry to learn of Jack’s death. I played bass in his band in the 1980s, and greatly enjoyed his friendship. Jack was one of the nicest people I have ever known, and I have great memories of the times we spent together. My condolences to Jack’s family and friends. May God comfort you in this difficult time.
Scott Lewellen
To my friend, Rebecca, and the Lawless family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack made me feel welcome in their home.
Rest in peace and light with our lord. My sympathy to so many who know, love and will never forget you.
Met jack an Rebecca in Nashville area , jack was the type of person ,when you met him you became insintant friends , even though I live 500 miles aways we keep in contact via social media ,it wasn’t a week that would go by that he would send a text or a funny cartoon , my prayers an thoughts with remain with Rebecca an his family jack will be surely missed
So sorry for your loss Rebecca. My heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories give you some measure of comfort.
Rebecca so sad to hear of your loss. We thought the world of you two. Willl miss you guys in Texas. Take care Daryl & Pauline Anderson
Reggie and I first met Jack at Rudi’s Country Music Cafe in Nashville ten years ago, which was owned by our Dear Friends Diane Berry and Russell Workman.
Reggie used to keep in touch with Jack. We were shocked and sadden to hear of the passing of Jack.
Rebecca and family we are keeping you in our prayers.
Reggie and Brenda
Jack and I have been friends 20 plus yrs.. I met Jack thru mutual musician friends. From that first introduction I knew Jack was a showman. From his stylish costumes to his exceptional guitar playing. Jack could light up a room like no other. He was a true artist. In my world I meet musicians daily. But rarely do I meet artist that have that special something like Jack Lawless had. He was supportive, caring ,always smiling and ready to give you a kind word. Thank you for the friendship and your supportive words to me. You will be truly missed. Fly high my friend..
I became friends with Jack 41 years ago. That was when I met Ricky. And remember listening to him and Ricky play. I remember when his beautiful daughter Nikia was born. Then as time moved on. He went to playing on the road. He was such a special person. Kind hearted, generous, always smiling and making others smile for him . Am so happy he got to spend the last years and moments getting to be married to Rebecca the beautiful person she is and made his life complete. Got to spend time with Nikia and grandkids and family. A man that had a very positive glow in many many peoples lives. Especially mine. Sitting at the Moose in Columbus which has now been about 10 years ago or so. I was sitting at the bar in the back alone. He went on break. Myself sitting with my back facing the dance floor. I felt someone come up behind me… he hugged me and omg and I said omg ..had a short nice chat but couldn’t have been more luckier to have someone so special remember me. He had me laughing in seconds. Like everyone he knew. God bless you Rebecca and his family. R.I.P Jack and fly high. And I would also like to say he couldn’t have been placed in the upmost special people as that is Jewell & Rittman. I love you!!! Vickie Leeder
Kevin & Cindy Goolsby purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of Jack Dean Lawless.
Jack and I where ole buddies since 1st grade.. I can’t say enough good things about him and have so many memories I couldn’t say em all. He was a loving guy who had his passion and heart in music.. He charished his family and friends and had a heart of gold.. Had to say he is gone… I will remember him always… RIP Jack
I worked w Jack on the road in the ‘Jury’ band. He was was a great friend and a sweet person. He was hard working and liked to have a good time. He loved Pizza hut as he often had them delivered to wherever we were staying. We stayed in some real crap places too which made for some really funny stories!! I’m so glad Jack and Rebecca found d each other. He was crazy about her and they were a great team. You will be missed Jack. See you in Heaven!!
Russell and I met Jack about 13 years ago when he came into our place, Rudi’s. He was a wonderful friend and a great talent. We always loved sharing a stage with Jack. We were very happy when he introduced us to Rebecca Mae one night at Larry’s Grand Ole Garage. They were made for each other. Our lives were made richer by knowing Jack and my heart goes out to Rebecca Mae.
I played drums for Jack here in Columbus for about a year and a half 1985-1986. Jack was a great guy to work with, very professional and always fun to be around. He was an excellent front man. I’m so glad this past spring my wife,Cari, and I came to hear Jack and Mae at the Columbus Eagles when they were here for a visit. I got to talk a while with Jack and meet his sweet wife Mae. All of the family has my deepest sympathy. May God comfort you all and give you peace. He be missed by many.
I grew to Know Jack and Rebecca while working as The Dementia Activity Director at Morning Pointe Assistant Living in Columbia, Tennessee as they were starting out in their career. Jack called one day to see if we would book them for Entertainment at the Facility. I inquired about their style of music and said that I would check on their booking. I got their booking approved, The Residents loved them. They were always a big hit and we’ll received when they came to Entertain. Over the following years they entertained the Residents many times. Then the big break came and away they went. Sweetest Couple, down to earth and always loving and friendly. I no longer work their but their memory will last forever. Glad to have ment Jack and Rebecca Beautiful Couple.
My Condolences And heart felt Prayers and sympathy go out to the family.
Mrs. Georgett Smith
The lord blessed me with3 of the greatest brothers a girl could have ..They all 3 had a lot ing heart. Someone said one time Jack was a people person and they were right .I loved my brother coming home to visit ,they were never long enough. Because music was always calling since he was a very small boy. Jack and Rick have past. And part of my heart. I have only one brother left, and he also is a very special person, Jim. I know the Lord has a plan But at this time we don’t know it all, I feel like he needed them to start a heavenly band, in the sky ..Daddy and Dale Spears is cheering them on..My heart is broke.
It was to be loving heart ..a typo error…
Your so right sue sue. I love you.
I love you too Nikia , I will always be here for you..
I just can’t explain the sadness I had when we heard Jack had passed away. Jack & Rebecca have been a very Special Part of Our lives. Even though we didn’t get to see them as often as I would’ve liked, when we did it was Always totally Amazing! Jack had a talent that was Outstanding! Rebecca & Jack made a perfect couple and a perfect entertainment. I remember few months ago seeing them in Columbus, IN and surprising them with a visit at the Eagles. I whistled at Jack in the parking lot and when he seen me he started cracking up and all smiles! Jack, you will be so missed by many and you are truly loved! Rebecca your love for Jack was a true love that Glowed between you both! We love you and will ALWAYS be here for you and we are keeping you in our prayers as well as his family. God Bless you! Thank you Jack for sharing your awesome talent and also the laughs you shared with us! Till we meet again at the Heavenly Gates! Our Love and Prayers, Theresa & Rodney and Daisy Mae♡♡
I have known Jack and Rebecca for several years now. She is the sister of one of my closest friends Michelle. I have seen them in concerts when they would come to the area every summer. Jack was a very personable man and their love for each other affected all of those around them. Jack you will be sorely missed and my prayers for you contiue. God bless you Rebecca as you tackle the road ahead of you. I’m sure you will be ok because you have the Lord with you!! We love you here and are always here for you!!! Rest in the arms of God Jack your journey on earth is done!!!! Love Dana and Linda Campbell
Lit a candle in memory of Jack Dean Lawless
Love and Hugs – Barb Martell Keene NH purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Jack Dean Lawless.
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Jack, I’m still in shock that your gone ! Thought we had many more years to hang out on your trips to NH. I really liked listening to you play the guitar, you and Rebecca sounded great together. Praying for Rebecca and your family. We’ll meet again when the trumpet sounds , Jesus said so ! Your brother in law, David Moseley.
Daddy I miss you so much. I wish I could have at least seen you before this happened. Know I love more than anything and you will always be in our hearts.
He loved you very much ❤️
So very sorry for your loss!
Jacks passing hit my family and I hard, as he was part of our family for many years. Jack and I traveled and performed throughout the U. S. including a stint on Carnival Cruise Lines. We also painted new home construction in Greenwood, Indiana for several years as well as The Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
God puts some people in our lives permanently and others He puts into our lives just for a season….but always with a purpose. I was happy to hear that he continued his music as well as found someone to share his love of music with.
Although we are left with sadness here, it’s comforting to know that there is a great reunion in Heaven with his dad, Rick and little Ricky!
God Bless his wife and the entire Lawles family.
Thank you Jack for touching my family’s life, if not for just a season.
Holly Hamilton & Family 🙏
you were one special person. We loved you and are so saddened by your death. no words to describe the grief I know Rebecca is feeling at this time.
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Nikia I am so sorry for your loss. This is just so sad. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Love you.
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It’s still hard to believe you’re gone Jack, my heart is aching. Jack came into my life over 30 years ago, where I met Nikia, his mom and rest of his family, and has been a part off and on over the years. Lots of great times and great memories I will always cherish. He loved his family so much but his passion for music kept him chasing his dream of that spot on the big stage. I’m glad he was happy and was doing what he loved. He was where he wanted to be. My heart goes out to his entire family during this time, as he is with his family in heaven. God bless all of you. Until we meet again Jack. 🙏
I went to school with Jack from K-12. I got to reminisce with and catch up on the past 40 years of our lives last year when he and his wife performed at The Eagles in Columbus.
He spoke to me about his grand children, his career, his health, his lovely wife, and his faith in God.
It was great to see my old school mate and friend again.
My deepest condolences to his family and beloved wife.
RIP
I am so saddened by this tremendous loss. He was my brother in law for much too short of time. I will miss his humor and stories. He had a strong faith, loved God, my sister and his family dearly. He never failed to put a smile on my face. I loved how much he adored my sister because she deserves that. They absolutely completed each other. Jack, I miss you and look forward eagerly to when we meet again, on the other side. Rest in the loving care of Jesus.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Jack Dean Lawless.
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Jack was a kind hearted guy and always been a great brother in law to me. I know his brother Rick and our son Ricky are in heaven welcoming Jack with great joy. My heart aches for the rest of us on here on earth.
I am heartbroken to learn of Jack’s passing. Sending heartfelt condolences to Mae and their families. May God’s strength and gracious comfort keep you and yours in the love of His light. I know this pain all too well.. hugs and more hugs, Mae…
Brenda Porter-Key
I just learned of this and noticed I left out “Rebecca” not once, but twice. (Brenda Porter-Key)
Here it’s 4/17/2024 2:17 am . Can’t sleep n outa nowhere I’m thinking Jack lawless, Ive not thought bout tht guy for a while wonder what he’s been up to ? Type in his name to see if I maybe can find him and find out he’s passed away? What a surprise, not wanting to know tht . I’m Glenn Winburn, I played with Jack and Rick when they were still living with their parents and later with Jack and Steve krietch from Indy . This is awful . Jack was a real likeable guy . Who ever may read this probably don’t remember me n thts ok , Jack o buddy , I’ll see u again one day and I’d love to play ur blue tele again . U know I got one like it because of u ? Lol , Peace my friend .