Don Lawson left this world with dignity and courage amid failing health on Friday August 16th surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Lorraine, his three sons, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He had a long life and with many interests, passions and several careers. Born on a farm in western Iowa near Silver City, Don remained firmly rooted in the values and experiences of those early days. He served in World War II at Los Alamos, and in the Korean conflict in occupied Germany. Don had a PhD in Entomology from the University of Nebraska where he also worked as a college professor. Afterwards, he worked in the food industry for many years. Upon retirement from that career, Don was on the staff of Covenant United Methodist Church in Cordova TN where he served in a variety of roles.

Those are some of the nuts and bolts facts of Don's life, but they only touch on the kind of remarkable person he was. It must be mentioned how much he influenced and mentored so many people, young and old. Previous students, employees, boys he coached in baseball, the youth groups at his church, his many friends and his family. He gave thoughtful advice, assistance and encouragement to countless individuals throughout his long life.