Verlyn V.Z. Z. Lawton

Verlyn Zahniser “V. Z.” Lawton went to be with the Lord on July 23, 2012. He was born in Newkirk, OK to Oliver William and Edith Miriam Lawton, nee Zahniser. The family moved and briefly lived in North Chili, NY and then returned to Oklahoma City where his parents operated the Light & Life Mission on West Reno Street which is now where the Cox Center is located. V.Z. graduated from Classen High School in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S Army attaining the rank of Captain in the ordnance branch.

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, V.Z. pursued a career as a real estate broker, homebuilder and stock broker. Beginning in 1987, he worked for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Native American Authority. He was a survivor of the Oklahoma City Bombing and remained active in the Oklahoma City Bombing Investigating Committee (OKCBIC) in search of the truth of that fateful day. He co-authored The Final Report which provided evidence that differed from what the U. S. Government had issued. He was also featured in the documentary produced by Chris Emery, A Noble Lie, released in 2012.

Though V.Z. didn’t participate in organized sports as a youngster, he became an expert golfer, racquetball and handball player. He served as the Commissioner of the International Racquetball Association and as State Chairman of the Oklahoma Racquetball Association from 1973-76 while winning numerous regional and local tournaments with a runner up finish in the National Tournament in 1977. He also excelled in golf while winning many tournaments and had 3 holes in one over his career. V.Z. was an avid OU football fan with many close friends from the 1953-57 football teams that won a NCAA record of 47 consecutive victories. He loved to entertain his friends and family by playing the mandolin, guitar and harmonica.

V. Z. accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was an active member of the Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond, OK. He is survived by his wife, Betty Geisler Lawton of 27 years; three sons: Christopher Lee Lawton of Freihung, Germany, Jeffery Lawton Wilson & wife Sonda Wilson of Tuttle, OK, and Lloyd William Lawton of OKC; three step daughters: Jean Stanford Caldwell & husband Bob of Yukon, OK, Cindy Stanford Orr & husband Roger of Sioux, City, Iowa, and Tammy Stanford of OKC; three granddaughters: Ashley Wilson Butler of Ada, OK, Madison Wilson of Ada, OK, and Jessie Wilson of Tuttle, OK; one grandson, Woodrow Wilson of Seattle, Washington; four step-grandsons: Jason Caldwell & wife Ashley of Edmond, OK, Justin Caldwell of Yukon, OK, Joshua R. Orr of Sioux City, IA, and Michael D. Orr & wife April of Aberdeen, SD; one great-grandson, Titus Wayne Butler of Ada, OK; one step-great grandson, Marek Ohlson; and two brothers, Rev. Kennison W. Lawton, Jasper, Alabama, and Rev. Wayne D. Lawton, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his first wife, Carole Sue Lawton; son, Dale Wayne Lawton; and a grandson, Edward Lee Wilson.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday July 28 2012 at 11:00am at the Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond, OK conducted by his pastor, Rev. Paul Blair.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Liberty Christian Academy c/o Fairview Baptist Church 1230 N Sooner Rd Edmond, OK 73034.