Zoom Meeting to participate in service:
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Meeting ID: 839 7086 1144
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Drexel M. Lawson, 66, Vacaville, CA, formerly of Minot, died Sunday, February 5, 2023 in his home.

Drexel Lawson, 66, of Vacaville, California, passed away February 5, 2023, at home in his sleep. He was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia, to Josephine (Agee) and Joe Lawson on December 12, 1956. He grew up in West Virginia then moved with his family to North Dakota when his father was transferred to Minot Air Force Base. That is where he attended the North Dakota School for the Deaf (NDSD) and became an outstanding athlete.

Drexel achieved many feats as a sprinter for NDSD's track team. He is remembered as one of North Dakota's all-time prep greats. In 1975, Drexel became the second athlete in North Dakota to win four open events at the Class B State track meet when he captured the 100, 220, 440, and 180 hurdles. He also competed at the 1975 Pan American Games for the Deaf, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where he received a gold medal for the 100 meters. He also received a gold medal for the 400 hurdles (56.9) at the Deaflympics in Romania in 1977. Drexel was even named USA's Deaf Track & Field Male Trackster of the Year in '74 and '75. Many more of his accomplishments at NDSD include: 1973 State Champion for the 220; 1974 State Champion for the 100, 220, and 440; 1975 State Champion for the 100, 220, 440, and long jump; 1975 North Dakota High School Athlete of the Year; 1975 Gold Medal for the Pan American Games for the Deaf; appeared in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd on January 26, 1976 and inducted into NDSD's Hall of Fame in 2007.

Drexel also achieved many accomplishments as a basketball player at NDSD. He went on to exceed his 1,000 career points and rebounds. After his high school track career, he went on to compete at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. He also attended college in Seattle, Washington. After college, Drexel went on to work at Chardonnay Golf Club as mechanic. He has also worked at Eagle Vines Golf Club and Nick's Custom Golf Cars before retiring in 2022.

On February 14, 1992, Drexel married Reneé. He was very much in love with Renee and was so happy he found someone he had so much in common with. They have been married for 31 years and have four children (Laura, Elijah, Faith, and Joshua) together. Drexel is a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed riding his catrike bike, watching the Green Bay Packers, going to Starbucks and making friends with the employees, kayaking, watching movies, gardening, video games, golfing, fishing, attending his children's sports events and so much more. No matter what, he always found ways to enjoy his life with his family and friends to the fullest. He took great pride in his family and was jokester, always trying to make people smile. When he became a grandpa, he was on cloud nine to have that title.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe E. Lawson, Sr.

Drexel is survived by his loving wife, Reneé; children, Laura, Elijah, Faith, and Joshua; granddaughter, Isla; mother; Josephine Lawson; six brothers, Joe Jr. (Ruth Marie), Kevin, Tim, Charles (Byyinah), David (Monica), and Stacey as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

His family and friends are invited to share happy memories and celebrate Drexel's life in the way he would want to be remembered—as a loving and caring man who enjoyed life. The celebration of life will take place on February 28, 2023 at 1:00pm at Hillside Christian Center (100 Anderson Rd., Napa, CA 94558). If you would like to join in celebrating his life please RSVP at https://www.greetingsisland.com/invites/plln51mdsxq2 or email: lauraannxd@gmail.com .

Zoom Meeting to participate in service:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83970861144?pwd=ZU9lZnFjQ1doMVdpVG9ScnJEZUEwQT09
Meeting ID: 839 7086 1144
Passcode: K9k0kn

Memorials may be sent to the Lawson Family at 101 Santana Drive - Vacaville, CA 95687.