F. Jerome "Jerry" Lawson, 77, 400 23rd St. NW, Minot, died on Friday, September 15, 2006, surround by his family in his home.

Jerome was born on March 3, 1929 to Fillmore and Orpha (Ennis) Lawson in rural Aurelia, ND. He was raised on the family farm in rural Aurelia, N.D. and educated in Carpio and Donnybrook. Jerome graduated from Donnybrook High School in 1947. As a young a adult he attended Minot State College for two years.

Jerome was united in marriage to LaVern Johnson on June 15, 1949 at the Methodist Church in Donnybrook, N.D. The couple made their home in Donnybrook before moving to Minot in 1960 and to this union five children were born.

Jerome was a cattle buyer and trucker for numerous companies. He was an active farmer and rancher in the Donnybrook/Minot area for many years.

He was well known in the community for sharing his ponies with children and giving pony rides. He traveled many miles with his daughter Jan sharing his love for them. Jerome was a former charter member of the Chariot Club, a member of the Mouse River Horsemen's Assoc., a lifetime member of the Blaisdell Rodeo Club and a member of Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.

Jerome enjoyed participating in parades, wagon train rides, trail rides, and attending horse sales and auctions.

He is survived by his wife LaVern; daughters, Sue (Mike) Anderson, Jan Lawson - both of Minot, and son, Jerry Lawson of Houston, Texas; four grandsons, Robbie (Carisa) Opperude, Scott (fiancée, Angie) Anderson, Ramee Opperude, and Brock Lawson; two great grand daughters, Angelina and London Opperude; brothers, Gerald (Ethel) and Dixon of Donnybrook, Roger (Gaynell) of Turtle Lake, and Richard (Virginia) of Minot; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins .

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Linda and son Ronald.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Monday from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.