Naomi Lawson Obituary

Naomi Lawson, 79, Topeka, passed away April 24, 2012, after her battles with ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and finally, cancer of the liver. Naomi was born April 30, 1932 in Merced, CA, the daughter of Edward and Hazel Dodd Wade. Her family moved to Eugene, Oregon, in 1950 where Naomi graduated in the first class from Willamette High School. The seven-member family lived in a tent at the back of the lot while the family home was built. Naomi met Robert Lawson as he was building a garage apartment across the street. Robert and Naomi married on October 6, 1950, 4 months into the Korean Conflict. He had signed up for Air Force navigation training in Texas, and the couple were separated for most of the first two years of their marriage. The Air Force then brought them to Topeka. They lived in both Lawrence and Topeka while he worked on and received 4 degrees from KU. Naomi's greatest passion was The Topeka Civic Theater. Strangely enough, she never acted in a play, but did everything else, including stage managing a number of plays in the mid and late '70s. Finally, Naomi was stage manager of, "The Good Doctor," which won a national competition in 1979, and was invited to compete in Dublin, Ireland. Naomi was elected to the Topeka Civic Theatre Hall of Fame in 1993, and had been working in the costume shop on almost every play in the later years. Everyone there knows Naomi and she will be missed. Naomi was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Delmer. She is survived by her husband, Robert, her four sons, and their wives and families: Lewis and Nancy Lawson and family, Tamantha and Todd Hockenbury and their children, Montana, Tanner, and Keat. Tim and Lori Byers, and their children, Tre and Will, all of Lawrence, KS; Eddie and Dee Lawson and John Edward, and Cindy Lawson and Elijah, all of Topeka; Mark and Toria Lawson, of Huntington, West Virginia; Jeff and Tammy Lawson, Alex and Nicholas, of Topeka; Naomi's sister Marnie Casperson and husband Bob and their extended family in and around Eugene, Oregon; her brother Mack, and Leslie Wade of Soldotna, Alaska. A Celebration of Naomi's Life will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2012, at Topeka Civic Theatre, 3028 SW 8th, Topeka, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Civic Theatre in Naomi's name, or Helping Hands Humane Society in Pug's name who was recently adopted by Naomi, and also survives. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.

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Published by Lawrence Journal-World on May 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Naomi Lawson

15 Entries

May 5, 2012

I met Naomi when I ran sound or lights for shows in the late '70s and early '80s. Everyone loved her! She was always helpful, had a marvelous sense of humor and never got angry at sometimes irritating people. I am so sorry to hear of her loss, not only for her family, but for the theater and the world at large! The world dims a bit when a person like Naomi is no longer in it! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Beth Meyers (Lawrence, KS)

Kris Luber

May 4, 2012

Bob & family,
I am so sorry to miss Naomi's celebration of life on Sunday. I will be there in my thoughts although I am out of town. May God continue to be with you. I will miss Naomi and her upbeat personality very much. She was a joy to know.

May 4, 2012

Lou & Aunt Nancy- so sorry for your loss. I'll pray for your comfort & peace and know that she's no longer in pain.
Love you both,
Terry, Terra & Taylor

Denise Butterfield

May 4, 2012

Naomi was such a sweet person. She was up-beat and smiling all the time. She will be missed.

Carol Grammer

May 2, 2012

Sorry about your loss. We are thinking of you. Still have and cherish the dress Naomi made for Melissa to wear on Lewis and Nancy wedding day.

Jeff Montague

May 2, 2012

Bob and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Naomi's curtain call. Seems like I knew her forever through TCT. She was always so ready with a laugh or a smile and was ready to help out in any way that she could. An amazing woman and wonderful friend. Please accept my thoughts and prayers.

David Pomeroy

May 2, 2012

I knew Naomi since the days of the Youth Thespian Players back in 1967. She was always kind and caring, and generous with her time and industry. She was a team player, and she will be missed.

Rosemary Torrez

May 2, 2012

My sincere condolences to you and your family

Nicole Totans

April 30, 2012

God bless you. Say hi to my grandpa n brother in Heaven!

Terrance McKerrs

April 27, 2012

I loved Namoi Lawson. She was the first stage manager I had at TCT when I moved to Topeka. She made me feel welcome. I have always thought of her as my friend and I will miss seeing her warm and welcoming smile. A good women an honest soul. My thoughts are with you Bob.

Toni and Catherine Fino

April 26, 2012

Rest in Peace an angel in Heaven.

Mack & Leslie Wade

April 26, 2012

We will miss Naomi. We extend our love and condolences.

Sarah Long

April 26, 2012

I am really going to miss Naomi's laughter in the sewing room at TCT. She was a rare and beautiful gem.

Ragen Murray

April 26, 2012

Dr. Lawson our thoughts are with you, and your family during this very difficult time.
Ragen & Marjorie Murray

Rozel Wade-Totans

April 26, 2012

Dear Aunt Naomi Although we've lived most of our lives separated by many miles, you always managed to keep family ties together with your Annual Family Update Letters over the years. I, for one, will truly miss them & you. P.S. Give my Dad Charlie "a love" from me.

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