Obituary of Lewis S. Lawson

Lewis S. Lawson, Sr., 92, of Cocoa, Fla., and formerly of Binghamton, N.Y., was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on January 7, 2005. He was born in Binghamton, N.Y., on July 17, 1912, the son of the late Howard Lawson and Elva Hibbard Van Auken. He joins his wife of 70 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Belvees Lawson, who went to be with the Lord in 1999. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Rustin, Sr.; sister, Edna Rustine Galla; and granddaughter, Laurie Lawson Skojek. He is survived by his six children, Marie Nechita, Groton, N.Y., Jean Shaw, Cocoa, Fla., Lewis (Barbara) Lawson, Jr., Cocoa, Fla., Gordon Lawson, Auburn, Ind., Robert (Pamela) Lawson, West Windsor, N.Y., and E. Ruth (Scott) Mitchell, Olean, N.Y. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a dear friend, Lurene Hadlick; special brother-in-law, Carl Belvees; three sisters-in-law, Agnes Rustine, Mary Campagnari, Josephine Di Cerbo; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Lawson was the founder and owner of Lawson's Optical Co. in Binghamton from 1953-1993. He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Binghamton, N.Y., serving as Chairman of the Board of Deacons as well as serving as a Deacon for many years. He was past member of the Binghamton Lion's Club, Southern Tier Chapter of the New York State Optical Society, Broome County Republican Club, a past president of the Christian Business Men's Club, and a 35 year member of the Binghamton YMCA. A man with a great sense of humor and a love for life, he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Lewis had a strong walk with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and served Him faithfully. He had a solid knowledge of God's Word and used this knowledge to teach Bible classes for many years. He loved his family and prayed for them daily. Lewis was a friend to many and was grateful for his many friends and family. He was well known for his physical fitness goals and participated in 5K runs until he was 80 years old. He continued his physical fitness routines up and through 2 months before his death. Funeral services will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church, 466 Chenango Street, Binghamton, Friday at 11 a.m. Dr. George D. Miller III, President of Davis College, will officiate. Burial will be in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory Lewis may be made to Davis College, 400 Riverside Drive, Johnson City, N.Y. 13790.