Dale E. Lawson

Dale E. Lawson, age 81, of Gulfport, died Sunday, November 16, 2008 in Gulfport. Mr. Lawson was born in Benkelman, NE and was a longtime resident of Gulfport. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II, and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1946, retiring after 24 years of service. He then worked for U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office at Stennis. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, the DAV, and NRA. He was Methodist. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Lawson of Gulfport; three daughters, Karen Thissen of Gulfport, Terry Putek of Benson, NC, and Lisa Lawson of Norfolk, VA; a son, Scott Lawson of Chapel, NC; and six grandchildren, Samantha Putek, Ryan Putek, Jennifer Thissen, Linsey Lawson, Derek Lawson and Kevin Lawson; and a great-grandson, Jeremy Walker. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 1 until 2:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. There will be a graveside service with full military honors on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to The Armed Forces Aid Campaign, P.O. Box 96303, Washington, DC 20090-6303 View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com