Wilbur Marlin Lawson

Wilbur Marlin “Lid” Lawson, age 76 of Gardendale passed away Monday, December 17, 2012. He served his country in the US Navy and participated in Operation Redwing in the Marshall Islands. He was a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church and retired from Sloss Industries after 34 years of service in the By-Product Department. He was Past Master of Hewitt-North Masonic Lodge and a member of VFW Post 10250, taking part in more than 400 military funerals. He was a “Blue Crew” Member of the LST 325 and spent quite a bit of time helping restore the World War II ship after it was brought back to the United States from Greece to Mobile. In June of 2003, he was fortunate to get to spend an entire month aboard the ship, going up the Mississippi River from Mobile to St. Louis, Missouri. Anything pertaining to the military was very special to his heart. His family was devoted to their country, having three brothers, to serve with the US Army during World War II. He, his twin, Willard and his brother Collins all served in the US Navy. He also had a brother, to serve in the US Marine Corps.

Wilbur is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Bonnie Williams Lawson; sons, Roger Lawson (Jamie) of Gardendale, AL and Darryl Lawson of Huntsville, AL; a daughter, Rhonda Brown of Warrior, AL; his grandchildren, Erin (Adam) Sanford, Ashlyn, Emily, Erik Lawson, Beth (Caleb) Hipp, Meagan, Scott and Kelsey Brown; great granddaughter, Ella Grace Sanford and Adelynn Hope Sanford due in February; also he is survived by a brother, Collins Lawson (Barbara) of Robertsdale, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents Riley and Pearl Lawson; brothers, Ben, Dewey, William, James, Charles, Hughie, Robert, Riley Jr., and his twin, Willard; sisters, Bertie Walker, Ruby McAfee, Carrie Lawson, and Martha Lawson.

Wilbur was a friend to so many people. He was a loving and caring person. Wilbur was a very talented man and a hard worker. He took pride in everything he did and always did the very best he could in anything he took part of. He enjoyed working with his hands, enjoyed building furniture and each home some pieces of furniture he built.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 18th at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel from 5:30 until 8 pm with a chapel service to follow Wednesday, December 19th at 2 pm. Interment will be in Oakwood Memorial Gardens with US Navy Honors and Rev. Mark Harrison will officiate the service.