1932 – 2020
Vernon Edward Lawson (87) of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on January 12, 2020, at a local nursing center. He was born on September 1, 1932, in Crowder to Thomas and Caldonia (Billins) Lawson, and was raised on a sweet potato farm.
Vernon later entered the United States Navy, where he served four years and was stationed on the USS Eldorado.
Vernon married Leona Wallis on April 13, 1952, in McAlester. In 1957, he joined Pipelining Inc. and rose to the position of foreman. After eight years, Vernon decided to bring his family home to Oklahoma. He worked for a short time as a cattle ranch foreman before he began working at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. Vernon worked for 22 years and was the pipe shop foreman when he retired. During his working years, he also owned a cattle ranch, and was best known for raising Brangus bulls for sale.
During his early years in Oklahoma, Vernon served as vice president of the Canadian Round Up Club and was a member of the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association. He also was an elder and deacon of the McAlester Church of God (Seventh Day) for over 40 years. During that time, he supplied beef on several occasions for the summer youth camp.
During his retirement, Vernon enjoyed working on his lake house and helping his daughter build her dream home.
Vernon is survived by his son Don and wife, Tracy; daughter Rosaetta Hodges and husband, Steve; six grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, and other family members.
