Alton W. Lawson

Mr. Alton W. Lawson, 83, of Swainsboro, GA. passed away Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Emanuel Medical Center following an extended illness.

           Mr. Lawson was born July 8, 1935 in Swainsboro, GA. to the late Alton B. Lawson and Lincie Dee Powell Lawson.  He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Lawson attended Middle Georgia College and played football on the 1951/52 teams.  Mr. Lawson transferred to Georgia Southern College and received a BS degree in Education in 1956.  After college he married Martha Jane Claxton on August 12, 1956.  They made Swainsboro their home for sixty-two years. 

Mr. Lawson has made a significant impact on the Swainsboro community through his Business, Political and Philanthropy involvement.  He was the owner of Lawson Electric Co for 35 years, a Partner of Lighting Engineers for 20 years, and a retired City of Swainsboro OMI Building Inspector.  Mr. Lawson was actively involved in the City Council for 7 years, Mayor Pro-Tem of Swainsboro on 3 occasions, a Volunteer Fireman for 28 years, Chairman of the Swainsboro Housing Authority, a member of the Jaycees, Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, Swainsboro Shrine Club and American Legion. 

Mr. Lawson served in the Georgia National Guard for 33 years.  He commanded posts in Swainsboro, Louisville, Statesboro, and Fort Stewart between 1956-1984.  Mr. Lawson retired from the National Guard with the rank of Brigadier General. 

Mr. Lawson was on the Active Deacon committee at First Baptist Church of Swainsboro at the time of his death.  He was baptized in 1963 and had served his home church for 55 years.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Jane Claxton Lawson of Swainsboro; son, Al L. Lawson (Dianne) of Swainsboro; daughter, Donna Lawson Lamb (Bo) of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Sammi Jo Johnson (Riley) of Wilmington Island, Liz Lawson Of Swainsboro, Kimber Haskins of Swainsboro, Katie Lamb of Gay, Kara Lamb of Martinez, Raven Tschida (Paul) of Pooler, and Logan Hall of Swainsboro; great-grandchildren, Braydon Lawson, Alyssa Haskins, Mercer Johnson, Kennedy Johnson, Palmer Johnson, and Daxton Tschida; several nieces, nephews, and friends.  

            Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at Swainsboro First Baptist Church with Reverend Casey Shaw officiating.  Mr. Lawson will lie in state one hour prior to service.

            Interment will follow in the Swainsboro City Cemetery with full Military Honors. 

           The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2019 at Chapman Funeral Home.

           Pallbearers are Jerry Lawson, Jr., Bill Edenfield, Freddie McVey, Richard Jones, Mickey Flanders, and Jason Lawson.

           Honorary Pallbearers are Deacons of First Baptist Church (Active & Inactive), Jimmy Morgan Sunday School Class, Swainsboro High School Class of 1952, and Sons of American Legion.       

           In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Swainsboro First Baptist Church Music Ministries or B.G.E.A. Rapid Response Team Chaplin Ministries. 27 Hawhammock Church Rd. Swainsboro, Ga. 30401.                                                           

            Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

            Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Alton W. Lawson, 83, of Swainsboro, GA.

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