Richard Leon Lawson

Richard Leon Lawson, 81, of Edmond, Oklahoma passed away on October 6, 2025, at home. He was born to Slim and Alta Lawson on July 24,1944 in San Bernadino, CA. Richard married Sherri Parsons in 1965 after both of their mothers signed for them. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Slim and Alta Lawson, Mother and Father-In-Law Marvin and Ellen Parsons, brothers and sister’s in-law Bobby and Donna Lawson, Vivian Lawson and Jerry and Carolyn Lawson, and Jackie Griffin. He is survived by his wife, Sherri Lawson, Daughters and son-in laws, Jennifer and Tiger Sparger, Vicki and Gene Bryant, Staci and Duane Allen, and Sally Linhart. Brother Lee Lawson, brother-in-law Kenne Griffin, 12 grandchildren, their spouses, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Richard was a fire fighter for the City of Edmond’s Fire Department for 5 years, beginning in 1962, In 1964, he drafted into the Air National Guard. Later, he spent many years in the Oil business as an International Oil Trader, a natural salesman, and ended his career as a Safety Instructor for the High Plains Technology Center in Woodward, OK. He spent his last years in retirement enjoying Fox News – hence, when he began his political career.

As a high roller, there wasn’t a casino that didn’t know him by his first name. He was a winner and brought along his albatross to even out his winnings. There wasn’t a hot seat drawing that he didn’t win, and he enjoyed gathering all the loot from the monthly giveaways to add to “the closet” that has furnished the homes of all his grandchildren.

He loved spending time with his family, especially at the beach. He loved to hear the laughter and see the joy in each other. And Doc’s seafood gumbo.

Humility was his strong suit as he would say “Now, that’s one good looking dude” for every picture he saw of himself.

Richard was a member and a Deacon at Wildewood Baptist Church in Spring, TX. He was a founding member of the Tag Team Tour in Mobile, AL., and on Edmond’s 4th of July committee for several years. He was featured in “Who’s Who in America” not once, but twice.

Services will be held at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, October 9 at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK.