Donald J "Don" Lawless, age 82, of Washington, Iowa, died Thursday, November 28, 2019, in Washington following a short illness.

Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2019, at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Kwang Song officiating. The family will be present to receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorials have been established for the Washington Public Library or for tree planting at Washington Golf and Country Club. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Don's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Don was born July 2, 1937, in Macksburg, Iowa, the son of Leonard and Hazel Fern (Pinckney) Lawless. He attended school in Macksburg and graduated from Macksburg High School in 1955. He graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1959. Don was united in marriage to Janice "Jan" Kerkman on August 14, 1960, in Lyman, Iowa.

Don moved to Washington, Iowa, in 1959 where he began his teaching career with the Washington Community School District. He remained active in teaching and coaching until his retirement in 2000. In 1961, Don became the first wrestling coach at WHS where he coached until 1970. He also coached football at various levels and was the Varsity Boys Golf Coach from 1981 until 2000. Don was the Public Address Announcer at Washington Demon football games for many years.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Washington, a member of the Washington Golf and Country Club, was active in the Washington Community Theater, was a former member of the Jaycees, was an avid Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. Don was an avid reader and visited the Washington Public Library nearly every day.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Lawless of Washington, Iowa; son, Jim Lawless of Brighton, Iowa; daughter, Kate Maria and husband Gene of Savannah, Georgia; two grandchildren: Elaina and Kai Maria; as well as eight nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Lawless; sister, Linda Murman; and twin brother, David Lawless.