Clemme Lee Lawson (Lee), age 80, of Ames, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home in Ames.

Lee was born September 8, 1945, in Taylor, Arkansas, the son of L.T. and Caroline (Rankin) Lawson.

Lee worked for more than 30 years with the Iowa Department of Transportation. After retiring, he continued working with Deery Motors and George White Chevrolet. He also worked at Iowa State Center, assisting with Iowa State University events.

On December 24, 2000, he was united in marriage to Denise Diane Patton in Fort Dodge. Denise preceded him in death in 2017. Lee was a member of Heartland Baptist Church in Ames.

Lee earned his black belt in taekwondo and enjoyed sports, fishing, and cars. He loved to tell a joke, whether it was funny or not, and he often surprised family members with trinkets that reminded him of them.

Lee will be lovingly remembered by: his children: Jessica (Jermaine) Clipper, Ames; Shelia (Derrick) Lawson, Houston, Texas; Michelle Pickens, Nashville, Tennessee; and Leandre Lawson, West Des Moines; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; his sister, Clara (Jay) Holmes, Maryland

In addition to his wife, Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Andragus Lawson; and his brothers, James Lawson and L.T. Lawson Jr.

Lee has been cremated and a service honoring his life will be announced later.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with arrangements for Lee. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.