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Donald Ralph Lawson, 77, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at his home in Albuquerque, NM with his family by his side. He was born on June 4, 1931 to L. Maude (Hayhurst) and Ralph R. Lawson in their home in David City, NE. His childhood and youth were spent there. He joined the Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout in 1947. He enjoyed playing the clarinet and saxophone and was life guard at the local pool. He graduated from DCHS in 1949. After hitchhiking to his half sister's home in Washington and Oregon, he returned and along with his buddies enlisted in the US Navy in 1950. After completing boot camp in San Diego, CA, he served on the USS Jason where he lost most of his hearing during the Korean War. As a disabled Veteran, he was discharged in 1954 after spending a year in the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the Navy Occupations Medal, the United Nations Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Don returned to Nebraska where he entered college on the GI Bill. He attended Nebraska Wesleyn University, the University of Nebraska, Kearney State and Chadron State Colleges. He also worked for a while in Washington, DC for a firm that photographed government documents. While in Chadron, NE, he met and married Geraldine Weis on January 20, 1962 and graduated from Chadron State College with a BS in Education degree the following May. He taught English, mathematics and German in Madison, Dorchester and David City, Nebraska. In July of 1973, he was employed by the Federal Government at the Ships Parts Control Center in Mechanicsburg, PA as a Naval Submarine Sonar Purchasing Specialist. He received several commendations (or as he always said, "At-A Boy"!) for his diligent and exemplary work. At this time, he had moved his family to Carlisle, PA where he lived until his retirement in January of 1994. Shortly after retirement, he and his wife moved to Albuquerque, NM. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and of the American Legion. Don enjoyed flying, reading, rooting for his beloved "Cornhuskers", talking to little children, working on his family genealogy, listening to classical and jazz music, traveling and loving his family. He is survived by his wife Geraldine (Ger); daughters, Michelle Jackson (Harold) of Albuquerque, Kristine Weinberger (Craig) of Columbus, WI and son, Michael Lawson (Lisa) of Albuquerque; brother, Robert Lawson (Sara) of Vashon, WA; sister-in-law, Joan Kaiser of Albuquerque; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He had six grandchildren; Nicholas and Jacquelyn Weinberger of Columbus, WI; Ryan and Nathan Jackson of Albuquerque and McKenzie and Kaely Lawson of Albuquerque. Preceding him in death were his parents; aunts; uncles; two half sisters; and a half brother. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 4:00 p.m., at Ambassadors for Christ Community Church, 1540 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE. A Reception will follow. Burial will be at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your local Speech and Hearing Association, the Heart Hospital of NM Foundation or Heritage Hospice. Please visit our online guestbook for Donald at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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