Florence Jean Lawson

Florence Jean Lawson, 86, left for her heavenly home on June 16, 2023, with her family by her bedside at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri after a lengthy battle with cancer.

She was born on September 29, 1936, at Firmin Desloge Hospital, currently St. Louis University Medical Center, to Henry and Adele Parker. Florence grew up in Ferguson, Missouri where she attended Ferguson High School. Florence lived her entire life in the state of Missouri.

She was married to Vernon Shelby Richter in 1954 and was blessed with five beautiful children. She and Vernon lived in Truxton, on their farm in Stony Hill, and then built a home at Peaceful Valley Lake Estates in 1968 outside of Owensville where her children attended school.

While living at Peaceful Valley, she worked as a nurse for Dr. Fiedler in Bland and was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Later, she worked as a Computer Typesetter for ten years at the Gasconade County Republican Newspaper and continued to raise four children as a single mother. Florence poured all her time and talents into raising her children and sacrificed her personal life until the youngest two went off to college in 1979. At that time, she seized the opportunity, took a position with the Jefferson City News Tribune in Jefferson City, and received her certification as a Printer through Typographical Union Local 119. During that time, she served as President of Local 119 for many years.

In Jefferson City, she met and married William “Dean” Lawson, the love of her life on June 14, 1980. Florence and Dean lived in Holts Summit for a short time and then purchased a home in Taos. It was there that they found their passion for crafting. Florence and Dean established Lawson Enterprises and for 12 years sold their woodworking, knitting, sewing, quilting, and embroidery crafts at a variety of shows. She was known as a “woman who could do anything she put her mind to!” Florence retired from the printing business after 30 years of service.

For Dean and Florence, retirement was the time to play. They RV’d all over the country and spent 18 winters in McAllen, Texas with other “snowbirds.” She served as Secretary of their Park Activity Group for two years and President of El Valley del Sol RV Park for an additional two years. During retirement, Florence and Dean moved to Nixa where they were close to family and joined Glendale Christian Church in Springfield. Florence was a member of the Cornerstone Sunday School Class and served as a sound technician for many years. Florence and Dean were married for 43 years and two days.

Florence is survived by her husband, William Dean Lawson of Nixa, sister and brother-in-law Janette and Joe Germann of Bonne Terre, daughter Donna Herron of Jefferson City, daughter Linda Richter of Rosebud, son and daughter-in-law Dean and Toni Richter of Branson, son and daughter-in-law Dale and LuAnn Richter of Nixa, stepdaughter and husband Shelly and Jeff Howe of Versailles, stepson and wife Steve and Karen Lawson of Iberia, and stepdaughter Dana Lawson of Iberia. Florence also has 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jane Parker, daughter Theresa Richter, 2 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

Please join her family for a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM and Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at Glendale Christian Church, 2110 S. Blackman Rd, Springfield, MO on Friday, June 23, 2023. Lunch will be provided for family and those going to the grave site. Florence will be laid to rest that afternoon at the Dick Lawson Cemetery, Rosebud Lane, Dixon, MO (County Rd 42-66).

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses that attended Florence during her battle with cancer especially Connar, Andrian, Gee, and Rose on the 5th floor of Cox Hospital who provided the absolute best care during Florence’s final days. And, we leave you with this. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Florence ran the race of life well and traded in her running shoes for her crown of righteousness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dick Lawson Cemetery, in c/o Charlotte Wilde, 36462 Hwy 133, Meta, MO 65058 or Glendale Christian Church, 2110 S. Blackman Rd., Springfield, MO 65809.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa