Gary R. Lawson

On Wednesday, July 31, 2019 Gary Robert Lawson ran into the arms of his Savior. Gary was born to Robert Joseph Lawson and Clara Belle Sandy Lawson of Santa Monica, California. After the sudden death of his parents, he moved to Grants Pass, Oregon, where he was raised by his grandparents, Earnest Joseph Lawson and Katherine Josephine Lawson, and then his aunt and uncle, Maurine Josephine Wilson and William Burton Wilson. Gary served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Gary loved the great outdoors, and worked in the logging and telecommunications industry’s which allowed him to be in nature.”Mr. Gary” as he was affectionately known, was always ready to lend a helping hand, and wanted to share Jesus with those that crossed his path. Together with wife Catherine, they served the Lord as missionaries in Honduras and Eagle Pass, Texas. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and son-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his aunt and uncle that raised him; brother-in-law, Gary “Pete” Peterson; his mother and father-in-law, Margaret “Mammy” Louise Dempsey Richardson and Charles “Pappy” Scott Richardson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Catherine Lawson of Diana; sons and daughter in law, Ronald Lawson and wife Pat of Seattle, Washington, Robert Lawson and wife Cathy of Forney; daughter and son-in-love, Jennifer Poorman and husband Richard Poorman of Diana; sister, Joanne Peterson of Gardnerville, Nevada; grandchildren, Shawna Turner, Chris Lawson, Patton Lawson, Zachary Poorman, Jacob Poorman, Matthew Poorman, Timothy Poorman, Lillyanna Poorman, Elizabeth Poorman, Selah Poorman, Breindel Poorman and several great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11:00 AM Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Grubbs-Loyd Funeral Home of Diana; Pastor Terry Briggs officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service; interment will follow at Mattox Cemetery in Upshur County.