Lawson, John Henderson

John Henderson Lawson, 87, of Draper, Va., passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2009, at his home. Born on February 24, 1922, in Pulaski County, he was the son of the late Silas Lloyd and Sarah Elizabeth Smith Lawson. His wife of 46 years, Benoma Jane Gardner Lawson; brothers, Lloyd and Clyde Lawson; sisters, Edith Edmonds, Agnes Reynolds and Kathleen Lawson; also preceded him in death.

He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II where he received a Purple Heart. He was a long time member and an Elder of the Memorial Christian Church Draper.

He is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille and Claude Lefler, of Draper, and Susan and James Smith, of Draper; sisters-in-law, Velma Lawson, of Draper, and Emogene “Jean” Gardner, of Draper; special niece and caregiver, Dreama Jones, of Draper; special great-niece, Kaleena Jones, of Draper; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2009, at the Memorial Christian Church in Draper with the Rev. Johnny Howlett officiating. Interment will follow at the Draper Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery where the VFW Post #1184 will conduct Full Military Honors. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday evening, July 25, 2009, at the Bower Funeral Home Chapel, Pulaski. To send online condolences, visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com Bower Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va., is handling the arrangements for the family.