Living a rich, long life and giving love and devotion to family, friends, and this country describes Sergeant Major Eddie Lawson (US Army Retired). He was born July 18, 1924, to Evalina Jackson and Wallace Lawson in New Orleans, Louisiana. Challenges of the times and meager beginnings did not deter him from working hard and seeking ways to help his mother and better their condition.
Eddie was very smart but left school at an early age, sacrificing his education for the needs of home. Enlistment in the military became a viable option, and he did so at the age of 19 in 1943. This was the start of a thirty-year journey of service, travel, and education.
The United States Army took him to places in the continental United States and to countries such as Germany, England, France, Japan/Okinawa, Thailand, Korea, and Vietnam. His Army service also placed him in harm’s way in three wars: World War II, landing in Normandy six days after VE day; the Korean War, and Vietnam. Campaign medals and commendations attested to his extensive service. Through it all, Eddie served proudly, continued learning, and making a way from the experiences he gained. His marriage to the love of his life in November of 1948, and the birth of his two children were a wonderful part of that journey as well as impetus to be the best he could be.
Dolores Albertine Alexander was the beautiful, quiet young lady who stole Eddie’s heart. They married November 20, 1948; it was a love and marriage that lasted for sixty-two and a half years until Dolores preceded him in death in 2011. To this union were born two children, Corliss Winifred and Pamela Greer. Eddie was proud of his wife and daughters, doing all that he could to care for them.
The importance of compassion, education, and the manner in which one carried himself were things he lived by and impressed upon his daughters and grandchildren. “Always be prepared; look like you are going somewhere even if you are just walking across the street,” were his words. He had been a role model for his children by his taking advantage of training and educational opportunities. He trained in the military on his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS); he trained to be an instructor and to supervise instructors; he took classes to sharpen his personal skills as well. Upon his retirement, he went back to school. In 1976, he received an Associate of Arts Degree from the El Paso Community College, and was initiated into the school’s academic honor society. Later in 1977, he received from Park University in Missouri a Bachelor of Arts in Management, and later earned teaching certification, trying his hand at substitute teaching.
Sgt. Major (ret.) Eddie Lawson will be remembered for the life he lived, the service he gave, and the hearts he captured. Left to honor his memory and celebrate his life are his daughters Corliss Lawson Moragne (Edward), Pamela Lawson Wood (Kerry); grandchildren Edward Lawson and Brittany R. Moragne; the Jackson family of New Orleans; the Alexander family of California; the Moragne/McKinzey/Lewis families of Tampa and New York, respectively; longtime family friends and members of the military community of El Paso and Fort Bliss, Texas; members of the 76th/933rd AAA (AW) Battalion Association, and the many kind friends and acquaintances of Tallahassee, who became an important part of his life as well.
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with Prayer service at 6:00pm Thursday, October 27, at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave. Graveside with Military honors will be at 1:30pm Friday, October 28, at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Lawson family.
