John Ernest Lawson

John Ernest Lawson passed away peacefully at his Arlington, TX home of 45 years at 9:35 a.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024 surrounded by loving family. He was born on April 23, 1945 in Terre Haute IN, the first-born of Ernest Isaac Lawson and Ruth Evaline LaFollette Lawson.

John met the love of his life, Marsha Trinkle, in high school, and they were married for 60 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. John was a dedicated systems engineer for IBM, faithfully wearing his white shirt and tie, and became renowned as a worldwide computer systems trainer, sharing his expertise and passion for technology with countless individuals around the globe.

John had a zest for life and a love for traveling. He found joy in coaching his kids in baseball, basketball and football, fostering their skills and instilling in them a love for sports, competition and teamwork. His commitment to community and sports extended to his active involvement in the Arlington Senior Men’s Golf Association (ASMGA), where he made lasting friendships and served as President, Tournament Chairman and was selected as the 2023 Man of the Year. John also dedicated his time to volunteering at the Lake Arlington Golf Course, continuing to contribute to the community he loved. John and Marsha regularly attended City on a Hill Church in Fort Worth and more than anything, he loved being a grandpa and staying highly involved with the activities of all his grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his brother Paul Michael Lawson and his parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marsha, of Arlington; son Jeff Lawson and his wife, Kay, of Richardson; son Scott Lawson and his wife, Pamela, of Arlington; son Dr. Brad Lawson of Owasso, OK; daughter Cindy Lawson and her husband, Jerry Pugh, of Weatherford; son Eric Lawson and his wife, Misty, of Fort Worth; his two sisters, Linda Ashley of Phoenix, AZ and Helen Rudisel of Spring, TX; and his brother Don Lawson and wife Shirley of Brazil, IN. He also leaves behind his favorite 20 grandkids, 4 great-grandkids and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and community spirit that will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington.
Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 18 in the funeral home chapel.
Interment: Parkdale Cemetery, Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory, if desired, to the American Cancer Society or the Arlington Senior Men’s Golf Association.

Rest in peace, John Ernest Lawson. Your life was a testament to the power of dedication, love, family and community.