My husband and I lived next door  to Bruce and wife Alice in base housing at Bergstrom A F B . We transferred to  England at the same time. We spent many wonderfull times, many years ago.We shall miss him. He was a vey thoughuful and kind. Ready to help.He will never be forgotten. R I P Bruce. Thinking of you, in your time of loss,Alice!

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." -Albert Pike

My Grandpa was a humble man; he never liked to be the center of attention. In life and now in death, he wouldn't want us to focus on him. He wouldn't want us to focus on the sadness of his death but instead, focus on the happiness in our lives. He would want us to appreciate each other and our future.

A man as humble and loving as Grandpa will always be remembered by those of us who knew him and loved him. Although we will miss him, his smile, his pranks, his love, we take consolation in the good feelings of our memories.

I remember when I was a little boy, visiting Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa always made sure he played with us. We played card games, he would show us how his tools worked and paint with us. He was so much fun to be around, he loved to laugh and to have fun and I adored him.

Grandpa always said that he would do anything for his grandchildren. That made us feel good inside. I can see that my mom got her fun-loving spirit from grandpa. He was a great teacher to have, not only for my Mom and us but for everyone. He was selfless and kind. He loved being a husband, parent, and grandparent. It was his calling in life.

Grandpa, I will always miss you. I have so many wonderful memories to hang on to. You were a role model and a friend. Your guidance and love will carry me through to the end of my days. I love you, Grandpa, until we meet again.

Rest Bruce, until you hear at dawn, 
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.


Throughout my four years in the Air Force, I was fortunate to make friends who have had a deep and lasting effect on my life. During my last year, I made many good friends at Edwards who cared for me, but somehow Sgt. Lawson was different. He was more than a shop chief, he was a friend and mentor who took the time to realize that I didn’t need a loud voice but an unassuming and positive influence. I have to admit that there were times when I wasn’t exactly the perfect example of military conduct, but the sarge didn’t seem to notice…Oh well, of course he noticed but he didn’t hold it against me, in fact he and his family welcomed me into their home. With the help of his daughter, Denise, I have been lucky to catch up with my good friend and thank him; I only wish I could have found him a little sooner. 

Sarge, I’ve thought of you often through the years and I take comfort knowing that you are now in Good Hands. Thank you and God Bless.

Your forever friend,
Jim Wheeler


 Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center c/o Transportation Department

Funeral Service

Bruce had four children, Denise Troncale (Len) of Claremont, CA, David Lawson (Nancy) of Chandler, AZ, Colleen Belton (Frank) and Connie Hampel (Dennis) both of Wichita. He also had 7 grandchildren, Michael Bruce Mann of Tampa, FL, Daniel DeLeon of Dallas, TX, Melissa McGinnis of Las Vegas, NV, Andrew DeLeon and Dustin Belton of Wichita, Crystal Gillooly of Tucson, AZ and Matthew Troncali of Irvine, CA. In addition Bruce had 13 great-grandchildren, Natalie and Caroline Mann, Colin, Cameron and Caiden McGinnis, Drew Gillooly and Angelina, Andrew, Aidan and Aria Deleon and Chris, Lilly and Claire Belton.

OBITUARY

Bruce Lawson

September 30, 1931 – March 7, 2019

Lakeview Funeral Home & Cemetery

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