Clyde "Ed" Lawson

Ed was born in Cuthbert, Georgia, on Sept. 25, 1933, the only son of Clyde and Ruth (Drinkwater). He had five sisters (two died before he was born). He was a gifted athlete and attended Auburn University on a football scholarship. He had a pitching tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals, but lost out due to his lackadaisical trot around the bases after hitting a home run in batting practice. He always said that it was for the best as he was pleased with how his life played out. Ed died Jan. 25, 2022, at home, from complications of Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Ed was happiest telling stories with family and friends. The tales began with his childhood in Georgia, the Air Force in Opheim, MT, and as a policeman in Glasgow, MT. He worked as a truck driver for McDonald North American and ultimately became co-owner of the Billings agency. He liked his work and was respected and known as an honest businessman. He was THE agent in Billings to hire for a local office move! In his retirement, he spent many happy hours on the links at Yegen Golf Club.

He strove to be a faithful servant of Jehovah and enjoyed the service work and time spent with his fellow Witnesses.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and sisters; wife Connie (Abern); daughter Kellie Ortivez; grandson Jordan Ortivez; and nephew Jerry Brazeal. He is survived by his wife, Barb (and her Lesnik family); son-in-law Julian Ortivez; son Donald “Gus” (Dorene); daughter Sandra Greer; stepsons Mark (Shuddhabha) and Tim (Lisa) Lannen; grandchildren, Jason (Sandra) Ortivez, Lindsay (Shawn) Hansen, Corinne (Jeremy) Robinette, Devon (Becky) Lawson, Megan Lawson, Aaron (Nicole) French, Adam and Kellie Greer, Natalie and Celia Lannen; great-grandchildren, Oreana Ortivez, Jordan, Daxton and Benny Hansen, Jeremiah and Gideon Robinette, Miranda and Alice Lawson and Michael French. Surviving relatives in Georgia include nephews Ellis and Jim Brazeal and niece Donna Manry and their families.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of Ed’s life at the Swing Lab at Yegen Golf Club,  from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 26.

In memory of Ed, please enjoy a cup of coffee and a story with your family and friends.