Douglas Jay Lairson

Douglas “Doug” Jay Lairson, 68, of Garden City, MO, passed away on January 21, 2026, at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, MO.

Doug was born on February 13, 1957, in Kansas City, MO, the son of Donald and Annalla (Overbey) Lairson. 

Doug graduated from Ruskin High School in 1975 and went on to begin a long career in manufacturing. He dedicated 44 years of countless hours to his company, where he was able to happily retire in April of 2022. Doug married Mary Catherine “Cathy” Lairson on April 9, 1994, in Independence, MO. Doug and Cathy shared a blessed marriage of 30 years. Together, they welcomed one child and opened their hearts to adopt five more. 

Doug was a light to many. He always had a smile on his face and was never fully dressed without his overalls. 

Carrying on Doug’s legacy are his children: Victoria Frazier (Jordan), Samuel Lairson (Sommer), Lucas Lairson, Cody Lairson, Rebecca Lairson, and Dylan Malkmus; his grandchildren: Ashton Garcia, Aryia Yruegas, Carter Lairson, Wyatt Lairson, Axel Frazier, Weston Lairson, Alec Frazier, and Warren Lairson; his siblings: Diana Malkmus and Denise Stucker (Rodney); his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Susan McKinley, Chris VanMaele, Julie VanMaele, and Marty VanMaele; and his nieces and nephews: John Malkmus, Kevin Malkmus, Crystal Haling, Sabrina Smith, Justice Stucker, Andrew Stucker, Angela McKinley, Kyle VanMaele, Shelby VanMaele, Ben VanMaele, James McKinley, Kenzie Travers, and Alex McKinley. 

Doug was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy; and his parents, Donald and Annalla Lairson.

Cremation with a Celebration of life will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Gunn City Christian Church, Gunn City, Missouri with Inurnment at Gunn City Cemetery, Gunn City, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Gunn City Christian Church, Gunn City, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or Gunn City Christian Church Memorial Fund and send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.