Roger Barry Lawhon

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Elaine Lawhon; his sons, Lance and Marcus; his daughter-in-law, Wendy; and his grandchildren, Ethan, Sam (Dorothy), Ben (Kyerstin), Megan Orea (Paulo), Anna, Elijah, and Kate. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Lilly, Poppy, and Everett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Scotty and Frances Lawhon, and his brother, Charles Lawhon.

Roger was born in Gilmer, Texas. He was a natural musician with a talent for trumpet and piano. He attended one year at North Texas before transferring to the University of Texas in Austin where he met his future bride, Carol Gummelt. They married in 1965 at Hyde Park Baptist. Roger then graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Soon after graduating, he and Carol married. In 1969, the couple welcomed their first child, Lance. In 1971, they welcomed their second child, Marcus.

Roger started his career in sales in the humble position as a door-to-door gum salesman, then moving to the Burroughs Corporation. He spent a large amount of his career as a traveling salesman providing banks all across the state of Texas with envelopes and forms. He began with Federal Envelope and then moved to American Envelope. It was at American that he hatched the idea of starting his own business. In 1989, he founded Spectrum Forms & Specialties, a company providing both forms and promotional products.

Roger served as minister of music for several Baptist churches including Northview, University Hills, Fairview, Northwest Austin, and finally, Shenandoah. He produced and directed several plays, musicals, and cantatas over his career.

Roger enjoyed fishing, playing piano, UT football, golf, and traveling. He had a particular passion for taking groups to the Holy Land, particularly pastors.

Roger touched many lives with wise council and encouragement, a true “Barnabas” from the Bible. This and his trademark sense of humor along with his warm, gentle spirit made him the beloved man that he was.

The family is grateful for the visits, cards, calls, and expressions of love and concern they have received during the year of Roger’s decline. In addition, the family wishes to recognize the amazing care they received from Gentiva Hospice and Caring Senior Services of Georgetown.