Robert N Lawson

Robert Nathon Lawson was the third child, and first-born son of John F. Lawson and Bessie B. (Sansom) Lawson's ten children. He was born August 13, 1945, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, though the Lawson family lived in Mansfield until he was sixteen.

Robert passed away January 7, 2025, after a battle with CLL and diffuse large b-cell lymphoma contracted while serving in the United States Army on assignment in the Vietnam. He was in the US Army from 1968 - 1970. During which he was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Robert received his primary education in Mansfield, Tx., graduating from the historical I. M. Terrell High School in Fort Worth, Tx. in 1965. Following his discharge from the army, he attended college at TCC; became a licensed barber (Williams Barber College of Fort Worth) and received a Diploma of Practical Theology - Advanced Level for "Be Successful In Your Ministry Il" from International Seminary of Florida.

He was saved right after high school and called to the ministry in 1968 before he went into the Army. While a member of Greater Progressive COGIC, Bishop J. L. Johnson installed him as pastor of Bethel Temple Church on May 1, 1988. He served there over 30 years retiring in 2021. He is known for fiery, anointed exhortative preaching, and an angelic, anointed voice gifted by God with to sing like an angel. His singing often brought God's presence, inspired hearts, destroyed yokes and ushered God's Holy Spirit and joy in.

On May 9, 1970, Robert married the love of his life Cynthia D. Taylor-Lawson. His love for her was evident to anyone who spent any time around them. She was known to many by the pet name, "Peaches" which he lovingly called her. Robert and Cynthia had three sons, Robert II, Kristner, and Ryan. He was a loving father, godly example, and wise counsellor to his sons, always making his family second only to God. Known lovingly as Paw-Paw to his grandchildren, he always connected to each one in a way that made them special to him and him special to each of them. They loved how he played and shared food with them whether at home or at a restaurant.

Robert learned hard work from his father having learned to drive a tractor at the age of five. His employment included car wash attendant, stocker at Montgomery Wards, Packaging Corporation, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Alcon Laboratories, US Postal Service, transport driver for Texas Health Rehabilitation, and over thirty years as the pastor of Bethel Temple Church (now known as Christ Culture Church).

Kindness for others, and a rare but genuine humility shone through in his daily life as he served God's people, his community, and his family. He spent many hours reading the Bible, writing scriptures out by hand, and praying.

He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and the love he shared will continue to live on in our memories forever. Some of Pastor Lawson's signature songs were Sweet Jesus, I'm A Soldier" God Specializes, Right Down Here, and Oh Heaven, Heaven Is Mine.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, John, his mother, Bessie and brother John Wayne. He is survived by his wife Cynthia, his sons Robert (Kimberly), Kristner (Sarah), and Ryan, his brother Donald R. Lawson(Doris), sisters Jo Evelyn Barbee, Tony A. Holland (Alvie), Ruby J. Carter (Ezekiel) of Fort Worth, TX, Teola A. McCants (James) of Round Rock TX, Jacqueline D. Battles (Bill) of Fort Worth, TX, and Cynthia Boynton (Wayne) of Killeen, IX, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, 8 nephews, 5 nieces, many cousins, family and friends..

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