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Edwin D. Lawson

1923-2021

Edwin D. Lawson

Professor Edwin D. Lawson of Fredonia, died peacefully July 3, 2021, at the age of 97.

Ed was born in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 23, 1923, to Anna and Abraham Levin. When Ed was seven the family moved to Boston where he was raised.

After graduating from high school in 1942, Ed matriculated to the University of Illinois, but after one semester he was called up for active duty in the U.S. Army Air Force to fight in World War II. As a tail gunner on a B-29 bomber he completed 38 missions in the Pacific and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart.

After the war, Ed returned to the University of Illinois, where he earned a bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. in psychology. He taught at several universities, and in 1967, he joined the faculty of the State University of New York, Fredonia, where he served until his retirement in 1989.

Ed married Irene Kentner in 1949. They were united in marriage for 69 years and raised three sons together.

In addition to teaching and research, Ed published over 160 books and articles over the course of his career. He had a sabbatical year in Jerusalem, Israel in 1973-74, and was awarded a Fulbright lectureship to Yarmouk University in Jordan in 1981. In addition to his professional activities, Ed was active in the American Name Society and the 500th Bomb Group Memorial Association.

Ed is survived by two sons: Robert George Lawson of Fredonia, N.Y., and David Allan (Lisa) Lawson of New Milford, Conn.; and two grandchildren: Dr. Jennifer Ashley Lawson of New Haven, Conn., and Benjamin Alexander (Susmita Gadre) Lawson of Boston Mass.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; a son, Douglas Edwin Lawson; and his sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Edward Poskanzer.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date yet to be determined.

Online condolences may be made at larson timkofuneralhome.com