William James Lawson

William James Lawson, of Clifton Avenue, Kingston, died Saturday, September 1, 2007 surrounded by his family at Benedictine Hospital. He was 78. He was born in Utica, NY on January 21, 1929, the son of Lester Leroy and Gladys Margaret Goodenough Lawson Mr. Lawson was raised in Fredonia and has resided in this area since the mid-1950’s. Mr. Lawson graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering. He served in the United States Army, stateside, from November of 1952 to November of 1954 during the Korean Conflict. He started work at IBM in 1955 as a Development Engineer and retired as an Advisory Engineer in 1990. Mr. Lawson was a member of the I.B.M. Quarter Century Club. He married Anne Elizabeth Conlin of Kingston, NY on July 26, 1964. A longtime member of the St. James United Methodist Church, Mr. Lawson previously served as Secretary, Chairperson, and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. A woodworking hobbyist, he constructed children’s playground and other outdoor projects as well as indoor work. Two sisters, Diana MacPherson and Barbara Possehl, both died previously. In addition to his wife of 43 years, Mr. Lawson is survived by their daughter, Catherine A. Lawson of Kingston, a son, William J. Lawson and his wife Jodie of Niskayuna, NY, and two grandchildren, Jeremy and Jessica Lawson, one nephew and several nieces. Reposing at the Simpson - Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9. The funeral will be Tuesday at 9:15 AM from the funeral home. A funeral service will be conducted at St. James United Methodist Church at 10:00 AM. Entombment will be in Wiltwyck Community Mausoleum.