Johnny F. Lawson

Johnny F. Lawson passed away peacefully in his home on May 5, 2022 surrounded by many family members and lots of singing.  Johnny was born in March of 1934, in Kennett, Missouri to the late Doss and Arzetta (Morgan) Lawson.  Johnny enlisted in the US Army in 1956 and served honorably as a combat engineer during the Korean War era until his discharge in 1958.  He returned to the states and had three daughters.   On July 23, 1988, he married Jean Smith Edwards in Elkhart and welcomed four more children into the family.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jean (Edwards) Lawson of Elkhart, his three daughters: Pamela, Laura and Angela, their spouses: Arturo and Alexander, and his four children: Timothy Edwards, Daniel (Carolyn) Edwards, Loretta (Lydia) Edwards and Tina (Dave) Zimmerman.  Surviving as well are his siblings Wanda, Gladys, Mildred, Linda, and Dallas (Patty), 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. His siblings Bernie and Edna, as well as a great-grand child preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 12pm funeral service on Mon. May 9, 2022, at Victory Chapel Church, 30898 Co Rd 20, Elkhart, IN 46517.  Interment will take place at 3:30 pm (Eastern Time)/2:30 pm (Central Time) on Mon. May 9, 2022, at Pine Lake Cemetery, on Severs Road in LaPorte, Indiana. 

Johnny retired from Howmet Aerospace after 25 years to enter into full time ministry at Victory Chapel.  Over the course of the years he not only studied to become a certified electrician, but also studied to become an ordained minister.  Johnny was jack-of-all-trades who took great pride in going to the public library to research a project before taking on the task of repairing something or building an addition to his home.  He also purchased rental properties throughout Kentucky and used his skills to “flip” them long before the practice became common. 

When he wasn’t studying or working, he enjoyed reading, taking walks in the park, spending time outdoors in his garden, and canoeing down the Current River.  He and Jean looked forward to annual family reunions and enjoyed winters in Florida. 

His church and family were the most important things in his life.  He enjoyed being a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather guiding them with wisdom and love in their endeavors.

Johnny dedicated his life to the Lord and served humbly and willingly for many years as the Pastor at Victory Chapel Church in Elkhart.  His unwavering faith and pride in his ministry led others to Christ.  Even in the midst of his struggles through numerous bouts with cancer, Johnny took time during cancer treatments to seek out those who were going through the same trials to pray for their recovery and healing. Even in the depths of his battle with cancer, he remained positive and full of hope.

In Lieu of Flowers, the Lawson family suggests donations be made in Johnny’s memory to either the American Cancer Society through their online donation portal at www.Cancer.org or to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawka, Indiana 46545.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Johnny’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.

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