Obituary of Karl H Lawson

Karl H. Lawson, 78, an active member of the Cassadaga community and Cassadaga Memorial Legion Post #1280, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Born October 17, 1945 in Augsburg, Germany to the late Josephine Gsnater Morasch Lawson and George Morasch, who was killed in WWII fighting at the Russian front. His mother married Herschel Lawson and emigrated to the United States in 1948. Karl was a 1963 graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central School. He enlisted in The United States Air Force stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1968. Karl was then employed at Monofrax, Falconer and Ohl & Tarrant, Silver Creek and retired from SUNY Fredonia in 2001. He spent most of his after work hours volunteering in various community service organizations. Karl was a life member of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department serving as Captain and Lieutenant of the Emergency Squad as well as President and Vice president of the department. Karl was instrumental in instituting Monday Night Bingo in 1978 and served as Chairman for many years. As a member of the Cassadaga Memorial American Legion Post #1280 since 1968, he held numerous offices including Adjutant, Vice Commander, Commander, Advisor to the Son’s of the American Legion, Color Guard Member, Board Member, and his most honored position, Commander of the Firing Squad. Karl was also active in the Chautauqua County American Legion holding such offices as Historian, County Vice Commander, and Chautauqua County American Legion Commander from 1997-1998. Karl also served on the County American Legion Scouting Committee, Oratorical Committee, and was the Boys State Chairman. He was the proud recipient of the Brian Bliss and Jack Sharp Chautauqua County American Legion Scouting Awards. And Karl was honored to be named the Department of New York Legionnaire of the year in 1993-1994. With his wife, they were instrumental in re-chartering Cub Scout Pack 219 and Boy Scout Troop 219 in 1978. Locally with the Scouts, he served on the Pack and Troop Committee, as well as being a Cub and Scout Master for years after his Boys had graduated. Additionally, he served as the Chauterie District Cub Scout and Boy Scout Trainer, as the Chauterie District Activities Chairman, and as a Charter Organization Representative for over 20 years. Karl was the recipient of the Chauterie District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award and recognized as the Jaycee Outstanding Youth Volunteer. He's been a Boy Scouts of America member since 1979, was a Farm Team baseball coach and member of the former Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Cassadaga. Since his retirement in 2001, he spent many hours with the Camp Gross Foundation, helping to provide the youth of Chautauqua County an opportunity for the study and enjoyment of nature and the environment. Husband of 54 years to Sally Weatherford Lawson; father of Matthew (Jennifer) and the late Jakob Lawson; grandfather of Brock Lawson and Alivia (Tyler) Urton and two great-grandchildren. A celebration of Karl's life is scheduled for May 4, 2024 at American Legion Post 1280 in Cassadaga at a time to be announced. Burial will be in the Arkwright Christian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Allegheny Highlands Council, BSA, P.O. Box 261, Falconer, NY 14733, Camp Gross, P.O. Box 62, Cassadaga, NY 14718 or Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 N. Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787 Arrangements by Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville. Condolences to: jordansinclairville.com