Donald M. Lawson

Donald M. Lawson obituary, Lexington, MA

Donald M. Lawson

Donald Lawson Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Douglass Funeral Home - Lexington on Jan. 27, 2026.
Donald M. Lawson

December 11, 1932 – January 25, 2026

LEXINGTON: Donald M. Lawson, a longtime resident of Lexington passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the age of 93. For 72 years he was the beloved and devoted husband of Margaret H. (Lamoureux) Lawson.

Donald was the loving father of Richard E. Lawson and wife Noreen, of Lynnfield, MA; James D. Lawson and wife Regina, of Norwell, MA; Charles R. Lawson and wife Georgia, of Lexington, MA; Karin M. Pavio and husband Raymond of Lexington, MA; Peter J. Lawson and wife Judy of South Windsor, CT and father-in-law of Wendy Rose of Newton, MA. He was also the adoring grandfather of 14 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 15 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Andrew J. Lawson of Norwell, MA. Born on

December 11, 1932 in Arlington, Donald was the son of the late Edwin and Lillian (Hansen) Lawson. He grew up in Boston with his two brothers, Robert C. Lawson of Nashua, NH and the late Richard E. Lawson of Westford, MA. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served for 4 years. For the last two years of his service, he earned the distinction of being the last lighthouse keeper of the North Lighthouse located on Block Island, RI. Donald worked for over 40 years at Raytheon and Textron as a Mechanical Engineer.

Donald was a member of the Savin Hill Yacht Club for over 40 years. He found much enjoyment in boating, fishing and taking boat trips around New England with his family. He met his wife, Peg, at Nickerson State Park in Brewster when they were very young. After they married and their family grew, Don and Peg would return to Nickerson with their children and grandchildren. Don loved his time with his family. He was a quiet man of few words but his smile and frequent chuckles when surrounded by his family said it all.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday January 31 at St. Brigid Church, 1981 Mass. Ave. Lexington at 11am. Visitation immediately prior to the Mass at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington from 9am to 10:45am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Andrew James Lawson Foundation, 32 Millwood Circle, Norwell, MA 02061 (https://andrewjameslawsonfoundation.org)

Private interment at Westview Cemetery, Lexington.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Donald's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Lawson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Donald Lawson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?