Al-Gene Lawson

Al-Gene Lawson, 78, formerly of New Buffalo, died after losing his battle with COPD, at St. Luke's Hospital in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld-Smith Family Funeral Home of New Buffalo, MI.Al-Gene was born June 26, 1931 in Lepanto, Arkansas to James and Inez (Hutchins) Lawson. On May 1st, 1950 he was united in marriage to Rebecca Ann Barrett, she preceded him in death. Al-Gene served his country while in the U.S. Air Force, during the Korean War. He was a world traveler and resident, and lived in New Buffalo and Galien area for app. 14 years. Al-Gene was an electrician by trade. He was a former Shriner; loved to play poker; and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Al-Gene is survived by his children Ray(Carol)Lawson of New Buffalo, Linda Lawson of Bridgman, Lucy(Cliff)Holt of New Troy, Treva Lawson of Three Oaks, Dwayne Lawson of Benton Harbor, Lonnie Rogers of Battle Creek, Scott Lawson of Marshfield, MO, Gail(Kevin)Ireland of Alexandria, KY, and Wanda Lawson of Galien; brothers Wilburn Lawson of New Buffalo, Robert ‘Bud' Lawson of Houston, TX; sisters Jymme(William)Walker of Rock Hill, SC, Sue Spears of Michigan City, IN, and Joan(Don)Porter of Michigan City, IN; 23 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and Pee Wee his canine companion. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son-James Walter Lawson, a daughter-Lisa Dawn Lawson, a sister-Faye Heisman, brothers-in-law Donald Heisman and Dennis Allison, two granddaughters-Rachel and Amanda.A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 11:00am at the Sommerfeld-Smith Family Funeral Home in New Buffalo. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, MI. The American Legion Post #169 of New Buffalo will conduct graveside services. Visitation is on Tuesday, August 11 from 4:00-8:00pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence, or to sign the family guestbook, may do so at www.sommerfeld-smith.com