Paul Everett Lawson

Paul Everett Lawson, age 76, of Bigfork passed away on Sept. 23, 2006 at KRMC after fighting a courageous battle with pulmonary fybrosis. He was born Sept. 18, 1930 in Drumright, Okla., to Everett and Daisy (Taylor) Lawson.

Paul spent his younger years moving around the Midwest following his dad's oil career. In 1951, he married Darlene Reeves and they had two children, Richard Paul and Paula Kai Lawson. They lived in Midland, Texas, Fort Morgan, Colo., and Billings, Mont., following his oil drilling career until their divorce. In Billings, Paul went to work for his brother, Haskell (Hack) Holeman, at Holeman G.M. Diesel where he was Branch and Dealer Manager until his retirement in 1985.

In 1981, he married Donna Stephens, whom he met on a trip to England three years earlier. They recently celebrated their 25th anniversary in June of this year. They were truly soulmates and had many happy times together.

Golf and computers were Paul's greatest achievements. He loved golfing at Eagle Bend Golf Course and at his winter home in Yuma, Ariz. He was active in the Rooster's and the Hooter's golf groups and his proudest moments were when he shot his two hole-in-ones at Eagle Bend.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought great joy to his life and he especially enjoyed the time he spent with his faithful companion, Frankie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam and Lelia Stephens.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna and Frankie, at the family home. Also, his brother, Haskell Holeman (Connie) of Bigfork, his son, Richard Lawson (Janeen) of Visalia, Calif., his daughter, Paula Lawson, of Visalia, Calif., his granddaughter, Jennifer (Leon) Parks of Puyallup, Wash., his granddaughter, Kimberly (Chris) Makert of Visalia, Calif., six wonderful great-grandchildren and three nephews; also, two very special friends, Gretchen Gates and Mister Langlois. "Clink-Clink", honey we all loved you and will miss you dearly!

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Little Brown Church in Bigfork with the Rev. Ron Pierce officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow from 3-5 at the Eagle Bend Golf Club. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Bigfork QRU, 810 Grand Ave., Bigfork, MT 59911.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Paul's family.