John Wesley Lawson

John W. Lawson, of Hallihan's Hill passed away peacefully, September 12, 2013 at Ten Broeck Commons Nursing Home, Lake Katrine. He was 85. Born May 2, 1928 in Kingston, he was the son of Joseph T. Lawson and Nona Stanford Greauz. His wife Emily Lawson, died March 18, 2009. His brother Joseph S. Lawson, Sr. died June 22, 1997. Mr. Lawson was a life-long member of the A.M.E. Zion Church of Kingston. John was a "well known" musician in the area, and was a member of the Musicians Union Local No. 215. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Wiltwyck Golf Club since 1967. John was a veteran of the U.S. Army and having served with the 2nd. Engineer Special Brigade, received the Korean Service medal, Army of Occupation Medal (JAP), United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the Joyce-Schirick VFW Post 1386 and the Albany American Legion. John had been employed by IBM for 37 years, retiring in October of 1991, and further continuing his professional career as an Instructor Consultant with IBM until December of 1994. His tenure with IBM was notable: having attained and executive position as Personnel Manager at the Brooklyn Facility and further taking on special assignments at Corporate Headquarters located in Armonk, NY. John was very community minded, having served many organizations, including, the Ulster County TB Association, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, Office For the Aging, Mayor's Commission for Human Rights of Kingston (since its inception), the Citizens Advisory Committee for the $8,000,000 Kingston Urban Renewal Project, NAACP, Board of Directors- Kingston Hospital (25 plus years). He was President of the Miss New York State Scholarship Pageant, active for 30 plus years. First African American to head a state organization in the Miss America Program, and the Kingston Board of Public Works. He also served on the Joseph S. Lawson, Sr., Scholarship Committee. John was the recipient of the following awards/certificates: Miss America Organization Volunteer Service Award "30 Years of Volunteerism, Ulster County Bar Association-Ulster County Liberty Bell Award, Albany Business College-Civic Service Award. John graduated Kingston Highs School, Class of 1946. He attended the Moran Business School, graduated from the Lincoln Preparatory College, Philadelphia, PA in 1948. In addition attended PACE University in New York City and has a certificate from the Wharton School of Business on "Benchmarking Strategies and Techniques". He graduated Albany Business College in 1952. Mr. Lawson is survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. John also leaves behind loving memories to his sisters-in-law, their husbands and a host of very special loving and caring friends. Entrusted to the care of Paul Geary of the Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston where friends will be received on Tuesday from 3 - 7:30 PM. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, 11:00 AM at Pointe of Praise Family Life Center, 243 Hurley Ave., Kingston. Interment with military honors will following Montrepose Cemetery, Kingston. Memorial contributions may be directed to the A.M.E Zion Church of Kingston, 26 Franklin St., Kingston, NY 12401. Light a candle in memory of John by visiting www.Keyserfuneralservice.com .