H. Clarence Lawson, 96, of Jefferson City, formerly of Laclede County, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Jefferson City.
He was born Sept. 3, 1926, near Falcon, Mo. to Lee and Maude Goans Lawson.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Milburn, Delbert, and Pete; and three sisters, Isabel, Ruby and Helen.
He was raised in the Falcon community and received his basic education in grades one through eight in a one-room school house in Laclede County near Falcon. He met graduation requirements in three and one half years at Lebanon High School, where he graduated in the Class of 1944. Upon completion of high school requirements in January of 1944, in the midst of World War II, he left high school to work in the United States Army Finance office in Tulsa, Okla. He returned to Lebanon in late May to participate in his high school commencement exercises with his classmates. On June 15, 1944, Clarence enrolled at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College (now Missouri State University) in Springfield, where he earned a baccalaureate degree in education. He also received a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Clarence began his career as a teacher at the age of 17 and taught four years in a one-room school. in Laclede County near Lebanon. He was employed by the Jefferson City Public Schools for 28 years, serving as Director of Elementary Education from 1959-1962, and as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel from 1962 until retiring in 1987, completing 43 years in education.
Clarence was baptized in the Baptist faith at the age of twelve and became a member of New Home Free Will Baptist Church near Falcon. He maintained his Baptist faith through his life.
He is survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; many friends who have been appreciated and enjoyed for many years; and an extended family consisting of Keith and Christina Dudenhoeffer, and “special granddaughter,’’ Ashley Dudenhoeffer, all of Jefferson City.
Funeral services for H. Clarence Lawson will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park, under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Houser-Millard Funeral Home in Jefferson City. A memorial has been established for Concord Baptist Church or Missouri State Foundation and contributions may be made through the funeral home. For more information or to view or sign the online memorial visit www.holmanhowe.com.
