Early Lawson

EARLY C. LAWSON, 73, died at 9 a.m. January 22, 2005, at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born July 1, 1931, in Barnesville, Ga., to M.D. and Mary Owens Lawson, who preceded him in death. On October 8, 1951, he married Doris E. Watkins, who survives in Lima, Ohio. Mr. Lawson had worked at Ford Motor Co. Lima Engine Plant for 35 years. He was one of Lima's first black entrepreneurs, operating a Mobil service station at Fourth and Main streets. He was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and a member of the choir. He was a member of United Auto Workers Local 1219. He was a dedicated participant in Habitat for Humanity and was on the work team for the Ford Ramp Project building ramps for the handicapped. He was a volunteer at Channel 44 and visited nursing homes throughout the community as part of his ministry. Survivors include a half brother, Corinthian Banks of Griffin, Georgia; a half sister, Grovene (John) Stephenson of Lima, Ohio; a stepbrother, Luther Banks of Barnesville, Georgia; a stepsister, Sarah L. Taylor of Jackson, Georgia; a special godchild, Stan-Joseph Jennings of Atlanta; two nephews, Alvin Lawson of Lima, Ohio and Jimmy Lawson of Sickelesville, New Jersey; a niece, Catherine Esters of Zion, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Marion Kirkman of Lima, Ohio; and several cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, J.C. Lawson; and a sister, Thelma Wilson. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. The Rev. Dennis Ward will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call one hour before services Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 119 N. Cole St., Lima, OH 45805. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.