Obituary of Lawson Tackett Murdock

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

- Albus Dumbledore, From Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Lawson Tackett Murdock, 21, took his light from our lives on February 20, 2024. Born in Lexington, KY on December 3, 2002, he was the son of Shawn Lawrence Murdock and Shawn Rae Tackett Murdock. Lawson’s gentle and jovial nature endeared him to all he met. His bright, ever-present smile and infectious laugh filled every room and the hearts of his friends and family.

Lawson loved life and pursued many interests during his short time on this earth. Every day was an opportunity to learn more on a wide range of topics. When he took an interest in a sport, hobby, or philosophy, he would go deep, analyzing every aspect and learning every detail. While he was vastly intellectual, he never willfully made others feel ignorant. Instead, he found joy in sharing the depth of his knowledge with those he cared about.

A Ryle High School/Ignite Institute graduate, Lawson was currently studying finance at Northern Kentucky University. Lawson possessed an amazing mind for mathematics, statistics, and analysis. But while Lawson was always thinking, he was also always creating. He loved music and had a particular fondness for the country genre. True to his nature, this interest wasn’t passive. He was a gifted songwriter, a talent that he fostered by analyzing the song structure and writing techniques of his favorite artists. He used songwriting to express his deepest feelings and emotions. He wrote his last song, entitled “When I Go,” the day before his passing.

Lawson was an overcomer. He lived with cerebral palsy, but he refused to be defined or deterred by his disability. On the contrary, he was adamant and exceedingly brave when faced with any anxiety, obstacle or challenge. He was active and athletic from a very young age. His participation in recreational gymnastics initially began as therapy, but over time, Lawson transformed into an ad hoc instructor for younger children in his classes. Lawson began snow skiing at an early age, and it became a lifelong passion. He traveled often with his family to his “second home” in Colorado where he would ski even the most difficult slopes with ease and perfect his jumps on the terrain parks. Whether hiking, biking or hunting “out west,” playing disc golf, or simply taking long, solitary walks around his neighborhood, Lawson felt most at home outdoors. Though he loved exploring new adventures away from home, nothing could compare to the paradise in his own backyard. In addition to home and Colorado, Lawson’s favorite places to be were in Princeton, KY at his paternal grandparents’ home and in Warsaw, KY at his maternal grandparents’ farm. 

Lawson enjoyed sports and shared his family’s passion for University of Kentucky basketball and football. He grew up attending home games in Lexington. During his younger years, Lawson looked forward each day to the car ride home from school with his mom. Together, they would listen to Kentucky Sports Radio.

Lawson was a kind soul who loved deeply. He understood that meaningful relationships with friends, family and others required work. He strove to guard and nurture each of those special bonds. He coveted his time with friends and family playing games around the table or online. He was particularly fond of children who were drawn to him by his playful, gentle spirit.

Lawson was a cherished and beloved son to Shawn Lawrence Murdock and Shawn Rae Tackett Murdock; an unconditionally loving brother to Megan (Brandon) Murdock Loschiavo and Maclain Murdock; a treasured cousin to Chelsey (Jeff) Gardner, Andrew Harrington, Janece Harrington, Jackson Murdock, Chandler Murdock, Aiden Tackett, and Hanna Tackett; a dear nephew to Tonya (Greg) Harrington, Shea (Jenny) Murdock, and Owen (Kandice) Tackett; as well as a dear grandson to Barbara and Lloyd Murdock and Brenda Porter Tackett.  In addition to these, Lawson’s distinctive laugh and his unforgettable smile will be remembered by his Bedinger’s Landing neighborhood friends and their parents, New Haven Elementary and Gray Middle School family who encouraged and empowered him, his friend group  “The Boys” who affectionately called him Law, his Oklahoma family, as well as countless others. Lawson is preceded in death by his grandfather Ronald Ray Tackett; his Aunt Jan Cloyde; Uncle Larry Bradshaw; Aunt Linville Murdock; close family friend and childhood caregiver Ginny Hamilton; and his precious cat, Sly.

Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy Lawson leaves behind. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024 beginning at 2:00 PM at The Prickel Barn, 14112 Walton-Verona Rd, Verona, KY 41092, with a reception to follow directly after the service of remembrance.

The family and staff of Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Murdock family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Lawson Tackett Murdock Memorial Fund.  All proceeds raised will benefit All Abilities Sports NKY.    Guests may donate online or in person the day of services.

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