John Thomas Lawson

John Thomas (Tom) Lawson, 76, of Tallmadge entered eternal rest on July 24, 2023 after a courageous battle with myelofibrosis leukemia. He was born in Akron, Ohio on July 5, 1947 to C. Eugene and Shirley Taylor Lawson. He was a graduate of Ellet High School and was an Army veteran, having served in Vietnam 1966-68. He retired as gas operations manager after 31 years with East Ohio Gas and re-retired after 13 years in sales for Harley-Davidson.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerry L. Lawson, and his father-in-law Charles O’Data. He is survived by Ann, his beloved wife of 29 years; son Eric (Misty) and granddaughter Presley of Tennessee; son Brian (Melissa) and granddaughters Gracie and Lena, step-grandchildren Mya and Evan Vader, all of Tennessee; nephew Lee (Leslie) and children Wyatt and Sydney of Florida; niece Tiffany Ball (Brian McMillen) of Cleveland; cousins Bob Weston, Christine Streb, Laura McCurdy, and Frank Coen; in-laws Marilyn O'Data, Jon and Judy O'Data, Aaron O'Data (Carrie Hadley), Lauren (Bret) and Riley Roth, all of Pennsylvania; and many dear friends who were part of his extended family: Dennis Ault, Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, Bob and Jessica Foutty, Alyssa Pearson, Dariel Chan Boeckh, the McKerrihans, and the Eisenbrauns.

Tom loved his family, riding his motorcycle, traveling, and working in the yard. He also loved animals, especially cats and the backyard birds. He was respected for his incredible work ethic, sense of humor, "cool" demeanor and big heart. He fought through a stem cell transplant with bravery and determination and was very grateful for the third floor staff at Seidman Cancer Center.

Friends will be received on Friday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 North Prospect, Akron immediately followed by a memorial service and lunch. Per his wishes, he will be interred at a later date at the Beaver Cemetery in Beaver, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to an animal rescue or veterans charity of your choice, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.