Ivan Ray Lawson

Ivan Ray Lawson, 79, a resident of Jonesboro, formerly of Indiana, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at St. Bernard's Medical Center. He was born on May 30, 1944, in Forest, Indiana, to the late Lynzo and Catherine Lawson.

Ivan was a teacher for 15 years before dedicating his professional life to computer programming at Arkansas State University, leaving a lasting impact on technology. He attended Temple Baptist Church; and he found joy in family, computers, driving, poker, and watching westerns. His appreciation for timelessness and simplicity was also evident in his passion for old tractors.

Ivan cherished moments spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, creating lasting memories. Ivan is preceded in death by three brothers: Willis Jr. Lawson, Latham Lawson, and Larry Lawson, and two sisters: Lucille Carney and Doris Pedigo. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Evelyn Lawson, of the home; one son, Gary Lawson and his wife, Meredith, of Shreveport, LA; and one daughter, Cynthia Wortham of Highsprings, FL. One sister, Ida Ray. Ivan also left behind his sister-in-law, Margie Lawson, and his brother-in-law, Sam Pedigo, as well as a lifetime of friends who will remember him fondly.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Corey Lawson and his wife, Megan; Trevor Lawson and his wife, Courtney; Kendall Lawson; Kyle Fournier; and Kalia Fuller and her husband, Blake. Ivan also leaves behind six great-grandchildren and a lifetime of friends who will remember him fondly.

Visitation to celebrate Ivan's life will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Emerson Memorial Chapel starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests considering donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.