John Lawson

John F. Lawson, 90, of Great Valley, New York died Monday, November 2, 2015 at the VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York.

Born January 13, 1925 in Buffalo, New York, he was the son of the late George and Lillian Lawson. He was married on December 22, 1990 in Limestone, New York to the former Rose DeLong Lyons, who survives.

Mr. Lawson was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving for nine years during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Iwo Jima, Kalilou, Okinawa, Saipan, the Philippines, and Tinian. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal.

After serving in the Navy, Mr. Lawson had been employed as a Police Officer with the City of Buffalo for over thirty years prior to his retirement.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #892 in Allegany, the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296 in Salamanca.

Surviving besides his wife are: a daughter, Patricia Lawson, Geneseo, NY; a son, Alan Lawson, Williamsville, NY; three stepchildren, Frank Lyons, Buffalo, NY, Laurie McMahan, New Market, MD, Terry Lyons, Hinsdale, NY; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by five brothers, George, William, Charles, Harold, and James Lawson, and two sisters, Mary Snyder and Mick McPhearson.

Memorial visitation will be held at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 10 - 11 a.m., at which time a memorial service will be held with Rev. Michael Lonto, pastor of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, officiating.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the Veterans Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.