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| Posted on Thursday, December 12 @ 00:00:19 PST |
John B. Lawson, 96, of Bushnell passed away at 7:45 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2019 at Courtyard Estates of Bushnell.
BUSHNELL — John B. Lawson, 96, of Bushnell passed away at 7:45 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2019 at Courtyard Estates of Bushnell. He was born on March 16, 1923 at home near Fairview as the fifth of five sons to James Marion and Eva Lorraine (Knott) Lawson. He married Ilene Schleich on Dec. 28, 1945 in Avon. She preceded him in death on June 22, 2007.
He was also preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, James, Jerome, Woodrow and Russell Lawson.
He was a devoted father to two children, Claudia (Terry) Moss of Canton and Jonalyn (Gary) Heaton of Monmouth; four grandchildren, Andrea Moss, Eric (Amanda) Moss, Alison (Josh) Clark and Olivia (Chris) Logan; and five great-grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, Grady, Conner and Bennett.
John was a veteran of the United States Air Corps, serving in the 449th Bomber Group, 716th Squadron as a B-24 Staff Sargent Tail Gunner during WWII, flying many missions in Italy.
John graduated from Avon High School, obtained his bachelor’s degree from Monmouth College, where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, and his master’s degree from the University of Colorado.
He began his two-decade career in education at the Prairie City School District in 1947 and then began teaching at the Bushnell-Prairie City School District in 1951. Over the years he taught P.E., Math and Driver’s Education and coached football, basketball and baseball. He served as the B-PC High School Principal. Students often affectionately referred to him as “Johnny Law†and over the years reminisced with John about fond school memories. Retiring from the field of education in 1969, John became an insurance agency owner in Bushnell, moving into real estate in 1981 and retiring from the business in 1991.
During his life he was involved in many organizations and activities. He was an active member of the Bushnell First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, deacon and on various committees, Bushnell Lions Club, the American Legion, Shaw Creek Golf Course and served 38 years on the McDonough County Board. From 1949 to the early 1990s, John enjoyed officiating basketball and football games. He loved gardening and had many successful entries in the Bushnell Fall Festival competition. John also was a lifelong die-hard Cubs fan and loved the year 2016 when they won the World Series.
A service celebrating John’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at the Bushnell First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 until 11 a.m. Pastor Tim Bauler will officiate. Interment, with military honors will be held at the Avon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Bushnell First Presbyterian Church, Bushnell Public Library, Betty’s Garden at Courtyard Estates of Bushnell or the Lawson Scholarship Fund at Monmouth College.
Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com
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