Michael Ray “Mike’’ Lawson, 74, of Phillipsburg, died Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Springfield.
He was born July 27, 1947, in Lebanon, Mo. to Gale and Retta McClure Lawson.
On Feb. 4, 1967, he married Donna Marie Simpson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Retta McClure Lawson, and his parents-in-law, Wilbert and Nadine Simpson.
Mike graduated from Lebanon High School in 1965. He graduated from Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Education. From Drury College he received a Masters in Education and from SMSU a specialist in Education and Educational Administration. He was recognized for his dedicated service to the education of children by Southwest District of MAESP. He taught twelve years in elementary school at Lebanon. He became elementary school principal and elementary director.
He was ordained as a Deacon in 1985, at First Baptist Church and was involved in many areas of the church work throughout the years. He enjoyed working with youth in his early years. He also served as Church Administrator.
Survivors include wife Donna; two sons, Erik Lawson and his wife Gina of Bolivar, and Aaron Lawson and his wife Carolyn of Atlanta, Ga.; one sister, Jana Starnes and her husband Danny of Rogersville; Kara Roland of Tennessee; one brother, Jay Lawson and his wife Marti of Graham, Texas; six grandchildren, Ashley Chabrecek, Nicole Rash, Cody Lawson and Julie Lawson, Alex Porter and Abbi Jones ; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon and Eddie Vincent of Alabama; other relatives; church family; countless friends and buddies; Matt, Lee and Gary.
A Homecoming Service for Michael Ray “Mike’’ Lawson will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Lebanon with Pastor Matt Taylor officiating.
Private burial will be at a later date at Mount Rose Memorial Park. At his request, he is to be cremated under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Mike have been suggested to Future Youth Center at First Baptist Church. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
