Bill Lawson

William A. “Bill” Lawson, 91, of New Haven, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at home, surrounded by his family.  Bill was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on October 12, 1932, to (the late) William and Thelma (Burns) Lawson. He grew up in Clinton, Indiana and attended Clinton High School where he participated in the marching band and worked his after-school hours in the family business. Shortly after graduating, Bill met and married the love of his life, Marilyn (Shassere) Lawson, a marriage that lasted 70 years and produced four loving sons; Alan, Ken, Brad, and Doug Lawson.

Bill served in the US Army, stationed in El Paso, Texas where he was actively involved with the development of the Corporal Guided Missile system, the first ground-to-ground guided missile in the US arsenal. Bill was very proud of his years in the military and proud to have been able to serve his country. After military duty Bill joined ITT as a special project engineer. He retired in 1992 after 28 years with the company. Bill was also employed by Magnavox where he worked on many Dept. of Defense contracts.

Bill was very much involved in civic activities receiving the highest honor of “Senator” from the New Haven Junior Chamber (Jaycees). Bill served briefly on New Haven City Council. He was also a member of New Haven Heritage Association. Bill was first and foremost a family man who was supportive of his wife and their four sons throughout their lives. When the boys joined Boy Scouts, Bill eagerly gave his time and talent to make his son’s involvement enjoyable and educational. Bill put on his hiking boots and joined his sons on a march along the Appalachian Trail; a memorable experience for father and sons. Bill always had time to share with his wife Marilyn and his four boys. Bill had a curious and fertile mind. Solving problems was always a challenge and something Bill enjoyed. If someone needed help solving a particularly hard task, Bill Lawson was the person one would ask for help, and Bill would offer that help freely and enthusiastically. Bill also had an artistic side that produced many pieces of fine art. He was a master model builder, constructing and operating several remote-controlled aircraft and boats. Bill enjoyed golf and the outdoors. Bill especially liked his annual Canadian fishing trip with family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn and their sons, Alan (Janet) Lawson, Ken Lawson, Bradley Lawson, and Douglas (Alice) Lawson. Bill adored his family and never missed a chance to spend time with them. He is also survived by his beautiful granddaughter, Katie (Ricky) Landrum, who was the apple of his eye. Bill adored his granddaughter, and never missed a chance to spend time with her. Katie was extra special to Grandpa. Other survivors include his brother, John (Shirley) Lawson in Florida; sisters, Pat (Bill) Vandivier in Florida and Saralou Zimmer of Angola, along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Margaret Smith.

Visitation is 4:00-8:00pm Tuesday November 21, 2023 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46805. The family’s preferred memorials are the Greater Indiana Alzheimer’s Association, online at alz.org/indiana, or by mail to 225 N. Michigan Ave, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601, or to the Boy Scouts of America, online at  donations.scouting.org,  or by mail to PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079. To share a remembrance of Bill or to offer condolences to his family, please visit DivineMercyFuneralHome.com.