William Burton Lawson

TSgt. William Burton Lawson, 52, born February 3, 1971 in Painesville, Ohio. He graduated from Ben Eleison High School in 1989 and went on to join the military. He drew his last breath in Seattle, Washington on February 11, 2023, mainly, we suspect, to prevent himself from having to watch the hated Eagles in Superbowl. A loyal Dallas Cowboys football fan, he died peacefully surrounded by family and with the support of many co-workers and friends from afar.

Wil with “one L” as he would introduce himself, was known share his innate wisdom and love with anyone lucky enough to call him family or a friend. He was thoughtful, compassionate and not afraid to share an opinion. He inspired friends to live, give back, and share their unique gifts afforded to them with others. He had a passion for photography and found ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the Alaskan Frontier. Other hobbies included writing poetry, watching the Cowboys play and sharing his love of music with friends.

A strong commitment to service, Wil served on active duty in the Alaska Air National Guard and volunteered at the local Boys and Girls Club and various local charitable events. Wil was devoted to his godson from the day he was born and did not take this responsibility lightly. His godson was the light of his life and stated in a letter to the Chace family, “Nothing should be taken for granted in this lifetime. Life is short.”

He is survived by his mother Linda R. Evans and husband Philip Evans, father William W. Lawson and wife Mary Lawson, sister Rebecca Lawson, sister Elizabeth Lawson and husband John Woods, brother Jesse Chumley-Lawson, nephews Jacob Woodward and Isaac Perez, nieces Cassandra Lawson and Melyssa Perez, godson Tristan Chace and his parents Dana and Lance and most notably Ted E. Bear.

In the words of his favorite LA Lakers basketball player, Kobe Bryant, “Rest at the end, not in the middle.” Your job here is done Wil, rest in peace.

Services will be held in Houston, Texas at the Houston National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held March 11, 2023 at the Lighthouse Church in Fairbanks, Alaska.

A gathering for William will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. Following the gathering will be a committal service from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Lawson family.