Glenn Lawson

Glenn Ray Lawson was born on October 13, 1923, the son of Jesse Ray Lawson and Stella Catherine Bruce Crowley Lawson in his grandmother’s farmhouse 11 miles from Buffalo, Missouri. He transferred his citizenship to heaven on September 7, 2021 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 97 years and eleven months.

Glenn’s mother was a “wild child” and his father rarely saw him. As a result, both Glenn and his brother, Gale, were raised primarily by their grandparents. Often Gale was at one set of grandparents and Glenn at the other set of grandparents. Life was made more difficult in his early years as the USA went through the great depression. Times were different then and kids could be more adventurous. One day Glenn told his grandmother he was going to see his brother in Buffalo and left with her approval even though he did not know exactly where his grandparents lived. He took off on a bike with only one pedal for a trip that eventually covered more than 30 miles, from Freedom to Buffalo Missouri. He pushed a one pedal bike with a flat tire into Buffalo and happened to run into his brother who took him to his grandparent’s home.

Glenn dropped out of high school to work and later enlisted in the US Army Air Corp in November of 1942 at the age of 20. After basic training, he went to radio school and later to gunnery school to prepare him for service aboard the “flying fortress” B-17. Glenn served his country honorably in flying 30 bombing missions over Europe with many going into Germany including the capital Berlin. He was honorably discharged with the rank of T/Sgt on October 21, 1945.

In August of 1945, Glenn married Margaret Jane Jacobs and to this union two daughters were born, Sharon and Pamela.

After leaving the military, Glenn studied and received his GED. He was then admitted to the University of Missouri in Columbia and used his GI Bill to obtain his Bachelor of Arts in 1950 and his Master of Arts in 1953. He earned additional money by delivering campus mail, making popcorn for Missouri football games and working in the publication office at the “Missouri Conservationist”.

Glenn began his education career as an elementary art teacher in Iowa. The family moved to California in 1955 and he continued his education to prepare for school administration, completing an additional 52 college hours. He moved into school administration in 1961 and retired in 1981 as Superintendent of the California Los Nietos School District.

In August of 1975, Glenn married Raquel Barros Leos on the Queen Mary and recently celebrated their 46th anniversary. And into this union was gifted with 3 more children Russ, Robbie and Renee.

Glenn enjoyed the flying experience, obtained his pilot license and owned a small plane for many years. He was a prolific artist and painted in oils, colored pens and pencils and watercolors. His pictures hang on many family walls. Glenn wrote and published several books during his retirement detailing his life as well as his faith. He walked with Jesus and continually talked to his family about Jesus believing that the most important decision they would make in their lives was the decision to accept Christ as their personal savior. Glenn was truly a member of the “greatest generation” and was an example of not allowing life’s many trials to overcome you. His faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of his life.

Glenn was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Gale and Retta Lawson; Margaret and Sharon Lawson. He is survived by his wife, Raquel, daughters Pamela Moor of Lebanon (Gary), Robbie Bryan and Renee Becraft (George), both of Springfield, one son, Russ Leos of California, two granddaughters, Erin Bowers (Luke) of South Carolina, Tracie Stewart (Jesse) of Independence, five grandsons, Christopher Byrum of Lebanon, Curtis Hankins of California, Austin Bryan of Springfield, Matthew Preciado and Sebashtian Leos of California, Don Moor (Sarah) of Pennsylvania and Mike Moor of Texas. Seven great grandchildren Ashlyn, Adyson, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Ryan, Eric and Mia and many other family and friends.

Glenn’s passing has left a huge hole and will be terribly missed but the family rejoices in the memories of this wonderful man.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 am Friday Sept. 17, 2021 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home 500 E. Walnut Street Springfield, Missouri with Pastor Curt Zachary officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Committal services with military honors will be at 1 pm Friday Sept. 17th at The Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Honor Flight of the Ozarks PO Box 3964 Springfield, MO 65808-3964.

The service will be livestreamed on Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home's Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Hhlohmeyerfuneralhome/



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