Dr. Frank Douglas Lawson Sr.

Dr. Frank Lawson was born on April 12, 1951, to Frank M. Lawson and Annie Mae Lawson. He completed his high school years at Paul Lawrence Dunbar of Fort Worth in 1969. During his sophomore year he was among the first African Americans to win the Golden Gloves. He soon after entered the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973. During his time of service, he married his high school sweetheart Mary Lou Hill on March 28, 1970. They later had six children: Monica R. Woods, Veronica R. Lawson, Frank D. Lawson Jr., Tillunda I. Lawson, Joseph T. Lawson, Alicia J. Murkeldove. During his time in the US Air Force, he competed in the Olympic trials for boxing. He was later rated as the number ten welter weight boxing contender in the world. Dr. Frank Lawson was called to preach the word of God in June 1973. He began his pastoral journey in 1978. He became the pastor of County Line First Baptist Church in Pilot Point, Texas where he served for seven years. After his years of service at County Line, the Lord called Pastor Frank Lawson Sr. to do work for him at the Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Texas. Here he served from 1982 – 1989. In 1989 the Lord moved upon his heart to organize the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church as well as the Moderator for the Elm Grove District Association. Amid his pastoral commitment, he received his Doctor of Divinity from the Word of Life Bible School of Marshall. Dr. Frank Lawson Sr. was the boxing instructor at his Alma Mata Paul Lauerence Dunbar for eleven years. He is now the Vice-President for the Minister Against Crime where he has served since 1995. He is also a first responder and adviser for the Ft. Worth Police Department. He was one of the jump starters for the Harmony Healthy Harvest, which is geared toward aiding the community in overcoming obesity and health awareness. In 2012 he was a part of the Excel Beyond Jail program geared to guide and assist youth in becoming an entrepreneur. It also provides a support system for those returning to society from incarceration. Dr. Frank Lawson has served the community continuously by sharing his time, talent in song, and the gift of ministry. He leaves to cherish his “Ride-or-Die” wife First Lady Mary Lawson: Six children: Monica Woods (Kevin), Veronica Lawson, Rev. Frank Lawson Jr (Anissa), Tillunda Bruce (Patrick), Joseph Lawson (LaKetra), Alicia Murkeldove (Jimmy), Joe Thompson. 30 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 4 godchildren, his father Pastor Frank M. Lawson (Sr.), Pauletha Amos (sister), Clyde L. Lawson (brother), Gerald L. Lawson (brother), his aunt, Elizabeth Chavis, Harmony M.B.C members, and a host of family and friends. He preceded in death by his mother Annie Mae Lawson, sister Barbara Lawson-Kimbrough, brother Rev. Paul Lawson, brother Wilburn Lawson, one grandson Joe Thompson Jr., and one godson Kilian Lewis.

Tributes

Dr. Frank Douglas Lawson Sr.

April 12, 1951 - August 18, 2023