Marvin Arnold Lawson

Marvin A. Lawson of Arkadelphia, Arkansas passed away on August 7, 2023 at the age of 93.

He was born June 6, 1930, on the kitchen table in Mt. Ida, Arkansas to Bessie & Marvin Lawson. In Conway Arkansas, he began his lifelong musical career at Conway High School and continuing at Hendrix College and the University of Texas at Austin. 

In the summer of 1957, he married Nancy Ann Rice, who was the love of his life and his cherished companion. They were married for 53 years until her passing in 2010.

He is remembered professionally as a witty, kind and passionate Band Director from Smackover, Hazen and ultimately at Ouachita Baptist University where he served 30 years on the faculty. While at OBU, he adopted the OBU fight song “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” which has continued to be the fight song and inspiration for so many. In 1972, Mr. Lawson was asked to conduct the Arkansas All-State second band as the first person to have been a member and serve as conductor of an All-State band in Arkansas.  To Honor Mr. Lawson, a band composition entitled “With Sounding Trumpets” was dedicated to him by composer and loyal friend Francis McBeth. 

Through the years Marvin enjoyed fishing, golf, playing bridge, working in his garden, being Mr. Fix-It, cooking, vacations at the beach and decorating for Christmas.  He was a mentor, loyal friend, advisor, protector and was the rock of his family who loved him dearly. 

Marvin Lawson is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Bessie Lawson, brothers Wilbur and Noel Lawson and wife of 53 years Nancy Rice Lawson.  He is survived by two sons:  Arnie Lawson & Renee and Alan Lawson & Jennifer, 3 grandchildren and their spouses:  Elizabeth & Logan Gott , Alexandra & Geoff Schoeffel and John & Brooklyn Lawson, brother Larry & Nikki Lawson, sister Vivian & Gerald Hogue and a number of nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

The service will be Monday, August 14 at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.  Visitation is at 9:30am service at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, The family asks that donations be made to the Marvin & Bessie Lawson Endowment fund at the University Of Arkansas.

https://onlinegiving.uark.edu/?designation=Other+Department+or+Program&otherDesignation=Marvin+and+Bessie+Lawson+Scholarship

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.