Edward Lawson Jr.

EDWARD LAWSON JR.

LIMA — Edward Arthur Lawson, Jr. "Eddie Boy" passed away at 1:50 p.m. Tuesday afternoon May 13, 2014. Ed was 64 years-old and was at home and surrounded by his family.

Eddie was born on August 5, 1949 in Toledo, OH to Flora Ella (Webb)-Reynolds Lawson and Edward Arthur Lawson, Sr. both parents preceded him in death. The family moved to Youngstown, Ohio when Eddie was a toddler. He spent his childhood and teen years in Youngstown, and was a senior at Rayen High School when the family moved back to Lima. He graduated from Lima Sr. High. After a period of "finding himself" he decided to go back to school. He attended Ohio Northern University and graduated from The Ohio State University in Columbus with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Ed loved football and was one of the most avid Ohio State (Go Bucks!) and Cleveland Brown's fans.

Over the years Ed worked as a lineman for Ohio Power, he was a Corrections Officer for the City of Lima and later became a Parole Officer with the State of Ohio Adult Parole Authority where he was a member of Service Employees International Union 1199. A caring and compassionate man, he touched the lives of so many in a positive way… not just his clients who he tried to inspire and mentor but friends, colleagues and others in the community.

Ed became a member of and was baptized at In Faith Ministries in 2012.

Called Dad by many, Ed served as a role model to his family. He lives to cherish his memory six children: Kimberly Thomas-Stewart of Columbus OH, Chondra Thomas of Lima, Lamar (Sharron) Thomas of Columbus, Edward JaQuay Johnson, Emmett Johnson and Eric Johnson all of Lima; sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a brother Richard (Joyce) Reynolds of Lima. Two sisters; Sandra Lawson Tate, and Lorraine Lawson (Tommy) Pitts both of Lima; he also leaves six nephews and five nieces and a special cousin Mike Liston…who loved and respected him.

Friends may call 4-8 pm Sunday at Jones Clark Funeral Home where the family will be present from 6-8 pm. Services will be held 1:00 pm Monday, May 19, 2014 at In Faith Ministries, 1575 E. High St. Rev. Michael Lyons, officiating.

Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to Jones-Clark Funeral Home, Inc.

Condolences can be sent to jonesclarkfuneralhome.com.