Richard Lawson

(Dick) Lawson passed to his heavenly home on Tuesaday, Sept. 17, 2013, to be reunited with his beloved wife, Pauline. She preceded him in death in October 2004. Richard was born Dec. 15, 1928, in Littlefield, Texas, to James Harvey Lawson and Novella McNeese. He lived and attended school in Round Rock, Texas. In January 1947, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. This was the beginning of a 28 year military career during which he served in various parts of the world. In 1950, while stationed at Walker Air Force Base, Roswell, N.M., he met and married Pauline Solorio. She became a full-time Air Force wife; raising three children, Richard Jr., Barbara J. and Rose M., while Richard accomplished his world wide duties. His 14 years involved aircraft operations and maintenance on the B-17, B-25, B-29, B-50, B- 47, C-47 AT6, C-54, C-124 and KC-135. His second 14 years involved all areas of Air Force safety. This part of his career was most challenging and satisfying. This career took him to many parts of the world: Hawaii (before it was a state), Japan, Okinawa, Guam, Formosa (Taiwan), Phillipines, Wake Island, Johnson Island, Kwajaline, Eniwetok, Thailand, Vietnam, Thule, Greenland, Scotland, England, France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Spain, Holland, Litchenstein and Germany. His assignment with the Air Commandos in Vietnam during 1964 and 1965, involved many areas: Ton Son Nhut, Cantho, Da Nang, Vung Tao, Nha Trang, Pleiku, Hae, Khe Sanhn, Bien Hoa and many small support air strips supporting troops and fire bases. He retired from the Air Force in 1975 after 28 years of service. He entered civil service as safety manager at Goodfellow Air Force Base and after 20 years of service he retired in 1995. His service with the Department of Defense totaled 48 years. He enjoyed vacationing and traveling with his wife, Pauline. Their favorites were Tucson, Ariz., Monterey, Calif., Las Vegas and Laughton, Nev. During his retirement he attended the San Angelo Citizen's Police Academy and performed volunteer work. He is survived by his wife, Vivan J. Lawson, whom he married in December 2005; his son, Richard Lawson Jr.; daughter Barbara J. Lawson; daughter Rose M. Allomon and husband Wayne Allmon; five grandchildren; three stepchildren, Cheryl A. Moore, Carol L. Evans, Thomas (Bud) Evans; nine step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren. He is survived by one brother, James Milton Lawson and wife Nelda. He was a life member of the VFW. Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, in Johnson's Funeral Home chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, at the Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart. Burial will follow in Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery. He will be buried with the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Pauline.