Karl H. Lawson

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 much 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 and had previously volunteer at John XXIII Center Retreat House with their Bingo gaming.

As a member of the Cassadaga Memorial American Legion Post 1280 since 1968, he held numerous offices including Adjutant, Vice Commander, Commander, Member and , his most honored position, Commander of the Firing Squad, Color Guard, Board Member, Charter Representative of P-219 &T-219, advisor to Son’s of the American Legion. Karl was active with the Chautauqua County American Legion serving in numerous offices including Historian, County Vice Commander, Chautauqua County Commander, County American Legion Scouting Committee, Oratorical Committee, and Boys State Chairman. He was the recipient of the Brian Bliss and Jack Sharp Chautauqua County American Legion Scouting Awards. Karl was also Department of New YorkLegionnaire of the year (1993-1994). With his wife, they were instrumental in re-chartering Cub Scout P-219 and Boy Scout T-219 in 1978, serving as Cub and Scout Master, Pack and Troop Committee, Chauterie Cub and Boy Scout, Training and Chauterie District Activities Chairman and CharterOrganization Representative for over 20 years. Karl was the recipient of the Chauterie District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver and Jaycee Outstanding Youth Volunteer. He’s been a BSA member since 1979, was a Farm Team baseball coach and member of the former Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Cassadaga.

Since 2002 his focus was on the Camp Gross Foundation, helping with projects includingfund raising.

Husband of 54 years to Sally Weatherford Lawson; father of Matthew (Jennifer) and the late Jakob Lawson; grandfather of, Alivia (Tyler) Urton and two great-grandchildren.

The celebration of Karl’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday in the Cassadaga Memorial American Legion Post 1280, 228 Maple Ave., Cassadaga. Private burial in Christian Meeting House Cemetery, Arkwright.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Allegheny Highlands Council, BSA, P.O. Box 261, Falconer, NY 14733, Camp Gross, P.O. Box 62, Cassadaga, NY 14718 or NCCR, 7540 N. Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787

Arrangements by Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville. Condolences to: jordansinclairville.com.