[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN R. LAWSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John 
Robert Lawson. John passed away peacefully and surrounded by his 
friends and family on August 24, 2021. John was a father, son, 
grandfather, and friend.
  John was the son of Jess and Jane (Lawson) Smith. He went to school 
in Fresno, California at Heaton Elementary, St. Joseph Military 
Academy, and Fresno High School. He came from humble beginnings and 
left his home at 13 years old. John worked throughout school by mowing 
lawns, delivering newspapers like the San Francisco Chronicle and Los 
Angeles Times, and worked at a gas station
  After high school, John enlisted in the Army, and after returning 
from his discharge, he began growing his trucking company known as 
Lawson Rock & Oil. In order to start his business, he saved 30 percent 
of everything he made so that he could purchase a truck. From there, he 
was able to grow his company and it is now made up of hundreds of 
trucks and employees. His story is the perfect example of a self-made 
businessman and an inspiration to all who hear it.
  As a family man and business owner, John never failed to give back to 
his community. John would speak on the importance of a high school 
diploma. He received his 60 years later and would tell high school 
students to always take advantage of the opportunities around them. His 
efforts included serving on the California Transportation Commission, 
appointed by Gov. Gray Davis. He also served on the Fresno County 
Planning Commission. In addition to these contributions, John helped 
sponsor The Lawson Beneto Classic golf tournament that focused on 
benefitting children with Autism. Along with many other charitable 
community donations, he helped fundraiser for Terry's House at 
Community Regional Medical Center.
  In his free time, John enjoyed racing, riding motorcycles, and 
collecting and restoring hot rods. He enjoyed restoring hot rods and 
restoring cars so much, he would share that passion with his friends. 
His love for cars took him all over the United States and Canada by 
attending different car shows. He collaborated with driver, Billy Boat 
in the 1990's and they set records for main event victories like the 
1997 Chili Bowl nationals. Throughout this time, he had one of the 
largest collections of 1932 Fords.
  John was survived by his loving wife Gina Lawson; his son JR and wife 
Suzanne, son Jonathan and wife Ashley, son Christopher Parrino; and 
daughter Patty Lawson. He had many grandchildren, his sister Terri Rea, 
and husband Scott, and friends missing him.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
John Robert Lawson. His service and contributions to the Central Valley 
and the State of California will be missed. I join his family and 
friends in celebrating John's life.

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