Donald K. "Don" Lawson age 59 of 806 Parkview Ave. Martinsville died Tuesday May 24, 2011 at his home. He was born Feb. 29, 1952 in Leaksville, NC to the late Lemuel Cornelius and Pauline Culler Price Lawson. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by one brother, James Barry Lawson.
He attended Fieldale-Collinsville High School and graduated from Chadsey High School in Detroit, MI in 1970, and also graduated from Chadsey School of Culinary Arts in 1971. He also attended classes in real estate law at Patrick Henry Community College. He was a member of Chatmoss Baptist Church, and worked at Bassett-Walker Knitting Company for 8 years as a Plant/Department Manager. He was owner/operator of Lawson's Decorating and Home Furnishings, and self-employed in leasing residential housing.
He was a past member of the Martinsville Rotary, and well known as Chairman of the Henry County Republican Committee for over 14 years. Don was the first citizen member from Henry County appointed by Governor Jim Gilmore to serve on the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Commission. He also served on the Commission's Sub-committee on Education, and served as vice chairman of the Fifth Congressional District Republican Committee, and Twentieth Senatorial District Republican Committee. He was an avid political activist and served on the election/re-election committees of President George W. Bush, Senator John Warner, Governor and Senator George Allen, Governor Jim Gilmore, Congressman Virgil Goode, Congressman Robert Hurt, and Delegates Danny Marshall and Don Merricks.
There will be a graveside service on Saturday May 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM in Roselawn Burial Park with Apostle Willie Davis officiating. There will be a visitation in Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home for one hour prior to the service.
Memorial donations may be made to the Donald K. Lawson Scholarship at Patrick Henry Community College, 645 Patriot Ave., Martinsville, VA 24112.
Arrangements are by Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home.