Vane Lawson

*CatiBug07!Vane Murray Lawson was born January 16, 1920 on a farm near Platte City, Missouri to John Clifford Lawson and Claracy Walters Lawson. He attended all twelve years of school in Kiowa, Kansas, graduating in 1938. He was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Force on November 12, 1942, serving as a flight engineer and crew chief on a C-47. He received his training in Lincoln, Nebraska and Long Beach, California. He was in the 9th Air Force, 316th Troop Carrier Group, 36th Squadron. They hauled cargo, paratroopers and pulled gliders into Holland. Vane served in five campaigns during World War II. He received his honorable discharge September 30, 1945. Upon arriving home he joined his father, Cliff, two brothers, Forest and A.J. in the Lawson Ford Motor Company. He worked there for more than twenty years. The business closed in 1968. He then worked for Ford dealerships in Kingman, Cherokee and Kiowa. His last employment was with Washburn Motor in Alva, Oklahoma for about twenty-three years. Vane was a charter member of the VFW. He then joined the American Legion when it combined. In 1946 he met Verna Lee Campbell from Hardtner. They were married on August 1, 1948. To this union three children were born: Randy, Tony and Sheri.

Vane was interested in all sports. He managed the Little League Baseball Program in Kiowa, plus coached the team in which Randy and Tony played for many years. Vane wanted to make it to his 95th birthday. God answered his prayers.

Preceding him in death include his parents; one granddaughter; Nikki Lawson; two brothers and their spouses.

Vane is survived by his wife, Verna Lee Lawson of Kiowa; sons, Randy Lawson and wife, Tracy of El Dorado, Kansas and Tony Lawson and wife, Suzanne of Wichita, Kansas; daughter, Sheri Day and fiance, Donnie Herren of Blackwell, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Services will be held at the Kiowa United Methodist Church on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Keith Fink officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery. Viewing will be Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving visitors from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Kiowa.

Memorials may be given to Kiowa United Methodist Church through the funeral home.