John M. Lawson transitioned from this life into God’s Heavenly Home on February 10, 2021, tenderly cared for at Angels Grace Hospice and surrounded by loved ones at the age of 63. He had been receiving treatment for melanoma over several years.
John is preceded in death by both his parents, David J. and Martha E. Lawson, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Geneatha Albaugh, and his brother-in-law Robert Cochrun.
John is survived by his loving wife, Louann, and amazing son, Matthew. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Eynon, and her husband, Ray, their children Rachel and Jacob, and Rachel’s daughter, Ava; his uncle, John C. Lawson and his wife, Lilia, and son, Vlad; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews in the Lawson, Pegram, and Albaugh families.
John graduated from Harrison High School in Evansville IN, attended University of Evansville and Harlaxton College, graduated from Indiana University with B.A. in sociology as well as graduate degrees in Law and Public Affairs with an emphasis in law and health planning. He also held a Master of Health Administration from St. Joseph’s College of Maine.
Throughout his career, John has provided excellent administrative leadership with the following organizations: Otterbein Homes in Lebanon, Ohio; Mary Scott Nursing Center in Dayton, Ohio; Glenburn Home in Linton, Indiana; Three Pillars Senior Living Facilities in Dousman and Shawano, Wisconsin; Pathway Health; and Ovation Sarah Chudnow in Mequon, Wisconsin.
A quote that exemplifies his leadership and integrity throughout his career:
“I just want you to know how much I have enjoyed getting to know you, and working with you, all along the way. I will never forget when we asked you to consider taking the job permanently, the way you described your affection for faith-based not for profits. It shows in everything you do and everything you stand for. I have learned a lot from you about graciousness, and about calmness in the face of difficult situations and families, and from observing your morality and ethical core guiding you in all that you express and create.”
John never felt the call to ordained ministry, but he served his church as a lay member to annual conferences in Indiana and Wisconsin and was elected a jurisdictional and/or general conference delegate multiple times over the past 25 years. Health and Welfare ministries were not only his vocation but also one of his passions as he served on and/or chaired these conference level committees. John also valued his participation in the United Methodist Association, especially as an EAGLE commission member and accreditation team leader at dozens of organizations across the country.
He gave large amounts of time to organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and Camping Ministries. He savored his time spent with close friends playing board games and D & D and volunteering for live and virtual True Dungeon immersive adventures.
A private service is planned for Saturday, February 20, 2021, 1:00 PM at Gethsemane United Methodist Church. The service will also be streamed live via the Church’s Facebook page at facebook.com/PewaukeeUMC/
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of John M. Lawson to any of the following organization:
- AIM at Melanoma (aimatmelanoma.org) – supporting melanoma research
- Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church – Camping and Retreat Ministries (wiumcamps.org) or any Wisconsin Health and Welfare Ministry
- Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church – Camping and Outdoor Ministries https://www.inumc.org/ministries/camping-outdoor/about/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to donate.