Robert Ray Lawson was born in Ovilla, Texas on July 30, 1924, one of eight children born to William Franklin Lawson and Bunk Elizabeth Thornton Lawson. They lived and worked on a farm during the depression years of the 1930's, which were very lean years. No one had any money! During the summer months they worked on the farm from daylight until dark. Ray graduated from Midlothian High School in 1941, and worked odd jobs until he was inducted into Army in 1943 during WWII. He was assigned to the Medical Corps and served 2 ½ years in the Pacific, serving in the different battles of New Guinea, the Philippine Islands, Okinawa, and other small islands. At the end of the war, he met his precious wife, Mona and they were married in 1947. They moved to Marshall in 1950, and in 1952, he and another gentleman established Mar-Tex Glass Company, which was a successful venture for 42 years, requiring hard work and perseverance. Ray was always interested in civic work and doing things to promote Marshall. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and on various committees within the church. He served on the Marshall independent School Board for 12 years, and 7 of those years he served as Chairman. Ray was a Life Member of the Marshall Optimist Club, Past President of the Marshall Rotary Club, and Past President of the Marshall Chamber Commerce. He also served on the Board of Directors for Peoples State Bank, the Marshall Depot Board for 11 years, Region VII Education Center for 3 years, Harrison Central Appraisal District for 3 years, and Campaign Manager for Sam B. Hall, when he ran for U.S. Congress. Ray served on MEDCO Board for 3 years and was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Congress of Texas PTA. He was recognized as Marshall's "Outstanding Citizen" in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Mona of 60+ years, one son, David Lawson and wife Tatiana of Irving, Texas and sister-in-law, Dorothy Lawson of Dallas, Texas. Funeral services for Mr. Lawson will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2015 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Rodger Garbs and Dr. Randy Fitzgerald officiating, with Connie Ware bringing the eulogy. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Colonial Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors. Arrangements are by Downs Funeral Home of Marshall. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Downs Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Bruce Forbes, Scott Forbes, Mark Hartt, Pat Furrh, Les Rhoades, W.F. (Pinky) Palmer, Tom Wynn, and Danny Barrett. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Palmer, Bill Sullivan Jr., Eugene McLemore, Rodney Gilstrap, and Sam Bayliss. Flowers are permitted or memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or Summit United Methodist Church.