I caught wind about this on Twitter, and then snagged the text below from this website: http://www.sirgravesghastly.com

This is a day I’ve been dreading for a long time. As I first reported last evening on my Vintage Detroit TV & Movie Board, Lawson Deming, our beloved Sir Graves Ghastly, passed away Tuesday night, April 24th, just one day after his 94th birthday. I was awaiting forthcoming details from his family before updating this site. His granddaughter, Lisa, has informed me that Lawson had pneumonia recently and hadn’t been responding to antibiotics. He died of congestive heart failure Tuesday, in Cleveland. I sincerely thank the Deming family for communicating with me during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at the Zeis McGreevey Funeral Home, 16105 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the Deming family requests that friends and fans please consider making a monetary contribution to the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Lawson Deming was one of Detroit TV’s true class acts–both on and off the air. For many metro Detroit kids growing up in the ’60s, ’70s, and early ’80s, Sir Graves Ghastly was like a member of the family. Like fans everywhere, I am very saddened to hear of Lawson’s death, but at the same time, so very thankful for all the magical TV memories he gave us, and that he was able to live such a long, prosperous, and distinguished life. For my part, I’m taking great comfort in perusing all the wonderful messages shared by fans in the Guestbook here (feel free to add your own–messages aren’t updated instantly, but will be visible within a few hours usually), as well as in re-reading the Show History sections, and of course, watching the videos and listening to the old show recordings.

For those who remember, things will never feel the same in metro Detroit. As fans, all our collective hearts go out to Lawson’s family, as well as our thanks. Detroit will never forget Sir Graves Ghastly and Lawson Deming. Many Happy Hauntings to you, Sir Graves…

Keith Milford
Gravemaster

And, as a fond fan of Sir Graves, I leave you with this: “NYAAHHHHHAHAHHHAHHAHAHAHAAAAA!”

Rest in peace, Sir Graves.