Memorial services for Ben Walton Lawson, age 86, of Brownwood, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at the Netherton Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Ruben Packer officiating.    He passed away Friday, February 11, at his home.

Ben was born January 24, 1925 in Mullin, Texas.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy.  Ben was well known as a prankster, joker, songwriter and horse trader to be reckoned with.  He was dearly beloved and respected by all family members, a wonderful and attentive father and husband.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Grace Virginia McGovern Lawson, children, Teresa (Lawson) and Bruce Tiner, Barbara (Lawson) and John Casiday, Iris (Lawson) and Mike Turner, Ben W. Lawson, Jr., William Leroy Lawson, Punkin-Betty (Lawson) and Wayne Forrester, Carol (Lawson) and Donnie York, Billy Joe Lawson, Jackie D. Lawson, Anita (Lawson) and Wade Canon; stepchildren, Clarence H. Reeves, Travis D. and Yvonne Reeves, Terri Ann Lynch, Mark and Marilyn Lynch, Brian T. Duke, Rick Roberts, Belinda (Roberts) Van Ryan, Becky (Roberts) Timmons, and Frank P. Roberts; 47 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; special grandchild, Koby Shields and countless nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Lela Lawson; sister, Marylou and R. C. Mayfield; stepson, Johnny Roberts; granddaughter, Audra Ann Reeves; niece, Lorain (Mayfield) Davis and nephew, Carl Ray Mayfield.

The family extends a special thanks to Solaris Hospice care and Dr. Stephen Oines for going out of their way to make Ben’s last days as comfortable as possible.

Friends and relatives may sign the online guest book at nethertonfuneralhome.com.