Richard "Dick" Lawson

Richard “Dick” Lawson

November 5, 1939– August 2, 2025

Richard rested peacefully in God’s hands

on August 2, 2025, at the age of 85.

Richard was born to Richard Sr. and Lena Mae Lawson on November 5, 1939, in

Boonville, Missouri. Richard met the love of his life, Henrietta Laverne Burnett, and got

married on September 8, 1962. Richard was recognized as a devoted spouse, a dedicated

parent, a primary caregiver to numerous family members, and a respected figure within his

community.

He attended Booker T. Washington, Sarah Scott Junior High School, and was a graduate of

Gerstmeyer High School in Terre Haute, Indiana. Richard’s first jobs were Coke Plant, the J I

Case Factory, and at Lost Creek Elementary School. He also coached football at Woodrow

Wilson JR. High and basketball at the Boys and Girls Club. He enjoyed playing tennis,

boxing, riding his motorcycle, the Flaming Star, riding his horse Midnight, skating, and a

referee at the Wigwam skating rink, and bowling. Richard won local youth tennis

tournaments and earned awards for his work with Flaming Star. While he attended

Gerstmeyer, he played on the track & field, basketball, and football teams. He was frequently

cited on the paper for his achievements. An article stated that Coach Howard Sharpe

(Gerstmeyer Basketball) praised Richard as the finest athlete in the area at the time. Another

article praised his achievement of scoring (3) touchdowns back-to-back in one game, and

acclaimed he had the finest legs in the Wabash Valley. Some of his other achievements

throughout his life were the McMillian Award, Hamilton Center Award, and proudly retired

from Lost Creek Middle School as a custodian. Richard’s Highest achievements were when he

accepted Jesus Christ at Victory Temple in the early 90s, and later, the Lord called him to

become a Deacon. Richard was a devoted member of Victory Temple, Bethlehem Temple, and

lastly, New Life Fellowship.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Richard Sr. and Lena Mae Lawson; four sisters:

Estelle Mills, Barbara Green, Mildred Baker, and Mary Moothery; three brothers: Leroy

Lawson, Lewis Lawson, and Bobby Joe Lawson; one daughter: Linda Moore; as well as

several other relatives.

He is survived by his beloved wife Henrietta Laverne Lawson; one brother Marvin (Wilnett,

deceased) of Temple, TX; two sons, Howard Lawson of Terre Haute, Michael T. (Kimberly

A.) Lawson of Temecula, CA; daughter, Michelle (Adrian) Grady of Terre Haute, son-in-law

Thomas (Tommy) Moore; grandchildren, Anthony (Katie) Wickware, Briana Lawson,

Howard Lawson, Destiny Lawson, Koryne Lawson, Devin Lawson, Mi-Lei Lawson, Shira

Serenity Henrietta Lawson, Ebony Michelle Moore, TJ Moore, Adrian Grady Jr., Adara

Grady, Amanda (Richard) Suggs, Michael (Monique) Williams. Bryan Williams, Courtney

(Adnan) Hodzic, Josiah Lawson, Jordyn Lawson; 22 great grandchildren; 3 great-great

grandchildren; special son, Evork Foster; special nieces and nephews, Becky Bradford

(deceased), Brenda Bradford, Bernetta Morris, Mike (Big Mike) Lawson, Nate Mills, Rossi

Mills, Dwayne Lawson, Avery Lawson; host of nieces and nephews; special friends Brother

Dan Johnson, Brother Brown; and friends that will honor and carry out his legacy.

Let us celebrate Richard’s life at his Homegoing service this coming August 12, 2025,

Tuesday, at 3:00 PM, at New Life Fellowship, 7849 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday, from 1:00PM until service time. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery.

Acknowledgments

The family of Richard “Dick” Lawson wishes to express our sincere

appreciation for all the prayers, phone calls, visits, and many other acts of

kindness shown during this time of bereavement. They also like to thank

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole and New Life Fellowship Members for allowing

us to have the services at the church.

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