John R. Lawson

November 2, 1939 - August 24, 2021

John passed away peacefully on August 24, 2021, at Fresno Community Hospital surrounded by family and friends at the age of 81.  John was born in Fresno, California on November 2, 1939. His parents were Jess and Jane (Lawson) Smith.  John attended grammar school at Heaton Elementary, St. Joseph Military Academy and Fresno High School.  John enlisted in the Army after High School.  When he returned home, he purchased his first truck and through aspiration, perspiration, and determination grew his trucking empire into what it is today, known as Lawson Rock & Oil.

John was dedicated to family, friends, and community, always giving of his time.  He served on the California Transportation Commission and the Fresno County Planning Commission.  John, together with his great friend, Steve Beneto, sponsored an annual golf tournament, named the Lawson Beneto Classic for many years to benefit children with autism.  He also helped with the annual fund raiser for Terry's House at Community Regional Medical Center and donated to numerous charitable organizations within the community of Fresno.

John's hobbies were racing, motorcycle riding, collecting and restoring cars and building hot rods for himself and friends.  He enjoyed traveling The United States and Canada on Hot Rod Runs, going to car shows, and built one of the biggest collections of 32 Fords around.

John was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister, Cheryle Lawson Bode Dessert. John is survived  by his loving wife, Gina Lawson; his sons JR Lawson (daughter-in-law, Suzanne) and Jonathan Lawson (daughter-in-law, Ashley); his daughter, Patty Lawson; stepson Christopher Parrino. John also leaves behind his grandchildren; Jack, Paige, and Sydney; his sister, Terri Rea (brother-in-law, Scott).

A celebration of John's life will be held after the funeral service at:

The Lodge at Riverstone, 370 Lodge Road South, Madera, CA  93636