Franklin Lawson

Franklin D. Lawson was born October 6, 1936, in Rayborn, Missouri, to Joseph Franklin Lawson and Leoma Grace Barr. He went to see our Lord and Savior on February 20, 2021. He was 84 years, 4 months, and 14 days old.

Franklin was the last born of five children. He was raised in the Rayborn, Green Mountain area and attended school at Rayborn until 8th grade. He was self-taught and loved working on and restoring cars.

Franklin was married to Dixie Louise Lathrom on July 16, 1955. She used to say that he and his brothers would throw rocks at the Lathrom girls walking to school. Two of them married Lathrom girls! To this union three children were born, Deborah Sue, Franklin D. Jr., and Betty Jean.

They lived in Kansas a few years, and he worked for Boeing Aircraft and Cesna Aircraft until his parents got ill and he moved back to take care of them. He bought the farm and started going to church at Dawson Assembly, where he gave his life to Jesus. He was steadfast to his faith, never wavered, and always made sure kids and grandkids went to church and knew God's love.

He spent a lot of years building homes in Mountain Grove and surrounding area. There is a street named after him in town, Lawson Circle. In addition to building and keeping family and friends in jobs, he ran a dairy farm.

He loved his church and his best friend, Derrel Friend. He'd go on hunting trips to Montana and Wyoming with the Friend brothers.

His God and family were foremost his pride and strength. Even when he’d have the weight of the family on his shoulders, He'd say he was fine because he'd just turn it over to God. He was the most strong, loving, caring, faithful, humble, quiet, and Godly person. He was a dad and friend to all that had a need. He was there to help.

He was loved by everyone who crossed his path, and a dad to those that didn't have one. He was the best anyone could ask for as a father and friend. The most important things to him were church, family and friends. He made sure the kids and grandkids went to church and spent time with them leading to Heaven’s Gate, where we'll meet again.

Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Leoma, his wife, Dixie, two brothers, Roy and Billy Lawson, a grandson, Travis Tasker, and a great-grandson, Jordon Tasker.

He is survived by his three children, Deborah Sue and Brian Kutz, Franklin D. Lawson Jr. and Missy Coffman, and Betty Jean Lawson, sisters, Edith Wills and Ruth Dunlap, seven grandchildren and their significant others, thirteen great-grandchildren and their significant others, and four great-great grandchildren. He will be loved and missed dearly. Until we meet again, Heaven rejoices.