Mark Edward Lawson, MD, MPH

Mark Edward Lawson, MD, MPH, passed away on December 29, 2024. He was born in El Paso, Texas, and was the son of John Lewis and Mary Prete Lawson. Mark was a graduate of Eastwood High School and a mentor and leader in Scouting throughout his life. His fondest memories of Scouting were his time on the Boy Scout Camp Dale Resler staff. Mark was a proud Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. The Yucca Council BSA recognized him with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor a council can bestow on an adult volunteer for their service and lifelong commitment to Scouting. The award is presented to volunteers who have provided noteworthy service that impacts the lives of youth and who have made outstanding contributions to the Scouting program. As an Order of the Arrow member, he was part of the Wapaha Native American dance group. His involvement with the dance team taught him respect and a love for First Nations traditions, lore, and regalia. He had a passion for Native American culture and dancing and photographed many Native American powwows, including the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Powwows in El Paso, Texas.

Mark began his distinguished career in healthcare as a respiratory therapist before becoming a Registered Nurse, specializing in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU). Mark’s intellect and curiosity drove him to pursue medical school, leading him to pediatrics with a specialty in Neonatology. Mark was a medical professional and educator at heart. He practiced Neonatology for many years before returning to practicing pediatrics in the Fabens community. Mark loved his patients in Fabens. After every visit, each patient would leave with a bag containing crayons, coloring books, and goodies. He was dedicated to his patients and the community of Fabens.

Mark earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Microbiology from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and his Medical Degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. He completed his Pediatric Residency at Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and his fellowship at the Harvard Medical School Joint Program in Neonatology (JPN) and Perinatal Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital, Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital, and Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Mark also received his MPH in Quantitative Methods, Maternal-Child Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Mark shared so much of himself throughout his lifetime, acting as a mentor, educator, and friend to all who knew him. He was an outdoorsman, enjoying fly fishing, photography, and, because his wife so loved Disney, he became a Disney fan.

Mark is survived by his wife, Linda Batista Lawson; two brothers, Jeff Lawson and John Lewis Lawson Jr.; and four sisters, Donna Allan, Licia Lee, Nan Davis, and Katherine Lawson. Mark is also survived by many extended family members, nieces, and nephews who love him dearly.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 31st, at 10:00 a.m. at The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 10000 Pheasant Road, El Paso, Texas, 79924. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express sympathy and honor Mark’s legacy please consider donating to The El Paso Humane Society at https://hselpaso.org/donate-one-time/.