Obituary of Fred R. Lawson

Fred R. Lawson, 94, of Springfield, VA, passed away at his home on December 29, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 21, 1927, the son to the late George James and Holly Rose (Casteel) Lawson. Fred left high school early to join the Navy during WWII, and served in the Pacific theater on the destroyer, USS Everett F. Larson. Upon returning to Morgantown, he graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and then entered WVU’s Law School. His professional career started in the U.S. Patent Office, and then went on to spend the rest of his career at the Department of Defense. He is known for his love of all types of music, good food, and good (and sometimes baudy!) sense of humor. Fred developed an early appreciation of sports, having played on the Morgantown High football team when he was in middle school. And there were always the celebrated leg races in the back yard with his kids which ended with a calf tear when he was in his 60’s. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor Woodford; his daughters, Elizabeth Lawson of Falls Church, VA, Laura Lawson of Springfield, VA; and his son, Fred R. Lawson II, of Bainbridge Island, WA. He is also survived by his sister, Rose Anne Lawson, of Walnut Creek, CA, and his two grandchildren, Hannah Rose Lawson of Bainbridge Island, WA, and Jordan Edward Lawson, of Redmond, WA. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved parents, George James Lawson, and Hollie Rose Lawson, of Morgantown, WV. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., on Tuesday January 4th from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Martha Ognibene officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 and its variants, the family requests all guests to maintain social distancing and wear a mask. Anyone who chooses not to attend in person, or is not able too may view the Funeral Service online via www.youtube.com under the search “Hastings Funeral Home” at 1 p.m. Donations may be made in his memory to Wesley United Methodist Church, 503 North High Street, Morgantown, WV 26505. Send online condolences at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com