[Nfbmo] Obituary for Lawson Weaver

[Gary Wunder]

Lawson Weaver


Lawson Weaver passed away January 1, 2009, at the age of 91. A native of Alabama, Lawson was predeceased by his parents, J.C. Weaver and Bessie Hall Weaver; and his wife of 66 years, Billie Hayes Weaver. He is survived by his son, Alex and daughter-in-law, Karen of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter Susan and son-in-law, Irwin Cohen of Springfield, Mo.; daughter Ruth Ann and son-in-law, Joe of Athens, Ga.; and five grandchildren, Matt Weaver of Seattle, Wash., Katie Weaver of Nashville, Tenn., Rachel Lariscy of Macon, Ga., Joseph Lariscy of New York City, N.Y., and Mary Morgan Lariscy of Athens, Ga. As a young man, Lawson hauled bees each year from Alabama to Iowa for the sweet white clover. While driving, he passed through and fell in love with Springfield, Mo., and moved here to attend Missouri State Teachers College (now MSU). It was there he met and married his sweetheart and love of his life, Billie. Lawson purchased and operated for several years a gasoline station at what is now the corner of Glenstone and Seminole. He left that business to become a realtor and developer. He was Missouri Realtor of the Year early in his career and he fought for open-housing policies in Springfield and Missouri. One of his first big projects was construction of Tower Grove Shopping Center in the 1960s. He maintained an office there, managing real estate and selling jars of honey, until his death. Lawson never met a stranger and many people sought his advice, counsel, and friendship. Lawson often said "family first"-he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. But church, country, and community were revered and honored throughout his life. Lawson was a founding member of Brentwood Christian Church, where he served several terms as both elder and chairman of the board. The church and its members are his extended family. Lawson served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corps. He was a devout patriot and always had a comment and contribution for politicians he believed in. He never missed voting for every level election and he made sure he was informed. Due to his financial and real estate savvy, Lawson has helped many community organizations and charities. Special places in his heart belong to the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, the Springfield Workshop, and local and state chapters of the National Federation of the Blind. Lawson donated land to the city in the 1960s, where some original settlers are buried; a park has since been established there in his name. Lawson was a lifelong supporter of the local American Red Cross. Lawson was a founding member of Twin Oaks Country Club. Throughout his life he was a member and held elected offices in numerous civic organizations including Metro Club, Kiwanis, and most recently, Rotary Southeast. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Lawson is survived by brother, Joe C. Weaver Jr., of Dallas, Texas; Virginia Weaver Buchner of Lemon Grove, Calif.; Allen Weaver Price of St. Louis, Mo.; and James L. Weaver of Springfield, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation is planned in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Monday, January 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, in Brentwood Christian Church, with Rev. Phil Snider officiating. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Lawson would be proud to have any donations made in his memory to Brentwood Christian Church, 1900 East Barataria, Springfield, MO 65804, or the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, 1545 East Pythian, Springfield, MO 65802.