Lawson V. Phaby Jr.

Former Missouri broadcaster-reporter, Lawson V. Phaby Jr., age 84, died peacefully on Sunday, August 20, 2017, in Ajijic, Mexico. He was born May 8, 1933, in rural Arkansas, to Lawson V. Phaby Sr. and Mary Marks Phaby. His family moved to St. Louis in 1942, to seek treatment at Barnes Hospital Burn Clinic to repair burn injuries he suffered as an 18 month old toddler. He served two years in the U.S. Army, 1953-1955. He then attended the University of Arkansas for two years. He left the University in late 1956 to take a job at KDRO radio, Sedalia, Mo. He later worked at both KWOS and KLIK radio in Jefferson City, Mo., KAOL, Carrolton, Mo., WIBV, Belleville, Ill., and then KSD Radio in St. Louis from 1970 through 1977. He also worked as a reporter for the Jefferson City News Tribune and for United Press International in Jefferson City and Oklahoma City, Okla. After leaving broadcasting in 1977, he worked for the Missouri Public Service Commission until his retirement in 1995. In the early 1990's, he was appointed and later became chairman of the Jefferson City Cable Quality Commission, a local regulator of cable TV, and he also served as Co-Chair of a 10-member body to redraw City Council ward boundaries in Jefferson City. While in Jefferson City, he was active in the Jefferson City Cantorum, a community choir, and the Jefferson City Little Theatre. In 1997, he decided to move to Ajijic, south of Guadalajara, Mexico, to enjoy the balmy climate on the shores of Lake Chapala. In Mexico, he became active in Cantates del lago, a community choir, and the Lake Chapala area Little Theater. He was preceded in death by one sister, Joyce Eiben and one brother, Fred Phaby. Survivors include: one daughter, Christine (Jeff) Tellman of Meta, and one son, Jason Phaby of St. Louis, Mo; two grandsons, Joshua (Stefanie) Tellman and Kyle Tellman, both of Lee's Summit, Mo. A memorial service will be conducted at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Tuesday, September 26, at 4:00 p.m. in the lower chapel.