Michael Dewayne Lawson, of Durant, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024, at the age of 69. He was born on July 15, 1954, in Coalgate, Okla., to David and Bernice (Reid) Lawson. Mike married the love of his life Carolyn Poindexter on August 15, 1975, at Lukfata Baptist Church in Broken Bow, Okla.
Mike was an educator, coach, and sports official for more than 35 years. He cherished the relationships with other teachers, coaches, students, players, coworkers and administrators, many of whom became lifelong friends. His entire career as an educator and coach was spent in Bryan County. Mike was inducted into the Oklahoma Officials Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2014, he was inducted into the Bryan County Athletic Hall of Fame for his contribution as a longtime official.
Anyone who met Mike knew he was an avid OU fan. He loved cheering on his Sooners, but more importantly he loved cheering on his grandkids in all their many activities. His wife, daughters, and grandchildren were the most important part of his life – they were his whole world. Mike was a man whose faith in Christ was apparent to all those around him.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, David and Bernice (Reid) Lawson, and his brother, Jimmy Lawson.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Lawson, with whom he built a life full of love and cherished memories. His daughters: Wendy Schneider and husband Joe of Yukon, Okla., April Gomez and husband Nathan of Edmond, Okla., and Amanda McLaughlin and husband Paul of Durant, Okla., will forever hold dear the lessons and laughter he shared. His legacy is carried on by his grandchildren: Emily, Aubrey, and Caleb Schneider; Hannah Gomez; Jake, Grant, and Owen McLaughlin, who will treasure the time they had with him. Mike is also lovingly remembered by his sisters, Ruthy Haworth of Savanna, Okla., and Kay Smith and her husband Jimmy of Duncan, Okla., who will miss him greatly. Mike’s memory will also be special to his nieces, nephews, and the multitude of friends who were fortunate enough to have experienced knowing him.
Friends and family will gather at his Family Hour on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. 
Mike’s life will be honored at his funeral service at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Caddo, Okla., with Brother Jeff Self officiating the service. Mike will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Cemetery in Caddo following his funeral service.
Pallbearers: Bobby Carr, Rusty Daniel, David Durbin, Kenny McDonald, Richard McIntire, Alvie Nelson, Joe Schneider, Nathan Gomez, Paul McLaughlin
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Service, 121 N. Fifth Ave. in Durant.
www.holmescoffeymurray.com