Cecil Lawson

Cecil Bernard Lawson, Sr. of Mineral Point, Missouri passed away on April 8, 2015 at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center having reached the age of eighty years, four months, and twenty four days. He was born on November 15, 1934 a son to the late Lewis S. Lawson and wife Margie B. (Williams). Cecil was united in marriage to Joyce Delight Politte on December 24, 1953 in St. Francois County, Missouri and to this union five children were born. Cecil confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior and attended Hopewell Church of God where he maintained membership. Cecil was known for his love of politics serving in several professional and civic organizations. Cecil retired from General Motors. He was active in the Local 25 United Auto Workers union. He was elected President for the Local 25 and served as the Benefits Representative for Region 5. After his retirement, he served in the capacity of Grant Administrator for the United Auto Workers International Union. Cecil held membership as a Freemason Lodge #143 in Irondale, Missouri for 44 years. During this time, he served in several positions as Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, and as Master. He was also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite member. He served on the Washington County Ambulance District and the Washington County Hospital Board. Cecil enjoyed supporting local sports and encouraged students to participate in the sports programs offered in their schools and communities. There were many individuals that benefited from Cecil's commitment to the local community. He worked diligently to assist Washington County residents in obtaining employment in the auto industry. Cecil loved farming. After retirement in 2013, he spent time hauling hay and riding the farms looking at the cattle. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his four sons: Cecil B. Lawson and wife Patricia (Marler) of Caledonia, Missouri, Jeffery Clay Lawson and wife Tammy (Hinkle) of Irondale, Missouri, Darrell Charles Lawson of Mineral Point, Missouri, and Douglas Aaron Lawson and wife Mary Ellen (Skiles) of Potosi, Missouri; four grandsons: Clint Lawson and wife Sara of Caledonia, Missouri, Christopher Silvey of Ocala, Florida, Jeffery Lawson II and wife Rebecca of Potosi, Missouri, and Douglas Lawson II of Irondale, Missouri; six granddaughters: Mandeline (Lawson) Robinson and husband Dan of Caledonia, Missouri, Cheyenna (Lawson) Heifner and husband Mike of Fredericktown, Missouri, Tara Silvey of Kansas City, Missouri, Tosha Lawson of Irondale, Missouri, Madeline Lawson of Farmington, Missouri, and Trinity Lawson of Potosi, Missouri; five great-grandsons: Caleb Lawson, Nate Robinson, Caden Heifner, Chase Heifner, and Beau Holland; four great-granddaughters: Maddie Lawson, Chloe Lawson, Elizabeth Robinson, and Keely Holland; and many more extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Cecil is preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce (Politte) Lawson; daughter Debra Lynn (Lawson) Silvey; three brothers: Eli, Donald, and Herman Lawson; and four sisters: Izella Lena Parmley, Vivian McCormack, Emma Lou (Cook) Downard, and Ila Faye (Coleman) Curtner. Cecil will be best known for the deep love he had for family. He honored every family member with his devotion and fierce loyalty. He was never afraid to kiss his children and grandchildren, and they will always remember the famous cheek bite. He will be dearly missed. Visitation for Cecil will be held on Friday evening, April 10, 2015 at the DeClue Family Funeral Home from 4:30 - 8:00 PM. A masonic service will be held at 6:30 PM Friday evening. Visitation will resume on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Hopewell Church of God from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the Hopewell Church with Rev. Jim Wade officiating. Honoring Cecil by serving as his pallbearers will be Clint Lawson, JC Lawson, Douglas Lawson, Darrell Lawson, Fred Singleton, Hubert Langley, and Dan Robinson. Internment and final prayers will be held at the Hopewell Cemetery. All arrangements have been cared for by the DeClue Family Funeral Home.