Harold James Lawson was born February 13, 1927, to Floyd James and Myrtle Fern Kissick Lawson in the hospital in Yukon, Oklahoma. He had an older sister, Winona Fern; older brother, Ralph Kenneth; a younger sister, Leta Floydeen; and a younger brother, Bernard. The family resided in Yukon until they moved to a farm southwest of Yukon. Harold attended a one room grade school in the West Point community, southwest of Yukon. He graduated from Yukon High School where he played on the basketball and football teams. After graduation he worked on an oil derrick on the family farm.
In 1948, he married Jean Claire Lawson. They had three children: Linda, Paul, and Sue. Harold went into partnership with Bob Fry, Jean Claire’s father. They farmed the land and milked cows. Harold called himself a “dirt farmer.” He loved working with the soil and building terraces. He enjoyed the cattle and liked it when they got fat. Harold enjoyed welding and made a swing set for the family and many gates for the farm. In later years, Harold enjoyed hunting trips to southeastern Oklahoma and Colorado.
For 30 years Harold served on the Canadian County Agricultural Stabilization Committee. He was a member of the American Milk Producers, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers, and the Banner and Yukon Co-Ops. Throughout the years, he attended many national meetings representing Oklahoma and Canadian County. Harold was baptized in April 1941 and attended West Point Christian Church. He served in many capacities including Deacon, Elder, Chairman of the Board, Sunday School Teacher, Building Committee Chair, and Elder Emeritus. Harold also enjoyed traveling overseas. He was part of two People to People Friendship Force tours that visited farms in other countries.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife Jean Claire; son Robert Paul Lawson; parents Floyd and Myrtle Lawson; brothers Oscar Bernard Lawson and Ralph Lawson; and sister Winona Fern Griffin. He is survived by daughters Linda Lawson and Sue Turner; grandchildren Whitney Lawson Hollar, Amy Chase and husband Andy, Teri Wyatt and husband Michael, and Kaylan Weese and husband Josh; great-granddaughters Abby and Anna Chase, Stella Gebard, and Maeva and Margot Weese; sister Floydeen Bruce and husband Harry of Texas; and daughter in-law Shan Lawson of Oregon; along with numerous extended relatives and dear friends.
Funeral services were under the direction of Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary in Yukon.
Memorial gifts may be made to West Point Christian Church, 1600 S. Richland Road, Yukon, OK 73099 or the Mabel C. Fry Library, 1200 Lakeshore Drive, Yukon, OK 73099.
