Neils V. Lawson

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Heart Association.

INTERMENT: Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa

Neils V. Lawson, 85, of Council Bluffs, IA, formerly of Glenwood, IA, Lake Quivera, KS, and Omaha, NE, entered into eternal rest on April 2, 2007 in Council Bluffs, IA. He was born March 4, 1922 in Glenwood, IA to Fred & Mary (Ellingwood) Lawson.

He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1939 as Track Captain and Class President. He joined the Air Force Cadets in Aug. 1942 and was called to active duty at Jefferson Barracks, MO on Jan. 31, 1943. After losing his Air Cadet classification due to a slight eyesight problem, he was assigned to Engineering and Operations school at Fort Collins, CO for training. He was elected Assistant Class Leader of Class 73A and graduated in June of 1943 with honors.

After graduation, he was transferred to the enlisted staff of Group Headquarters in the newly formed 401st Bombardment Group located at Gieger Field, WA. He continued in that capacity when the group moved to Great Falls, Montana for training and spent the entire period of 401st Bombardment Group operation at Deenthorpe, England, from arrival until deactivation and return to the United States.

After discharge from the Air Force on September 7, 1945, he joined the Omaha Division of Safeway Stores, Inc. He held Executive positions with Safeway in Kansas City and New York, and took a leading role in introducing Safeway Stores in the Middle East. He retired from that company in 1986, as Sr. Vice President and Executive Officer at Safeway’s International Headquarters in Oakland, CA.

On June 18, 1977, he received his Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA.

Neils was united in marriage to Lea L. Bachler on Jan. 3, 1942 in Rockport, MO. To this union one son, Gary Lee Lawson was born. Neils and Lea enjoyed traveling all over the world together following his retirement. His pleasures included nature, golf, and he had the honor of golfing with several past presidents of the United States. Neils also had a love for vocal music and made several recordings with his brother, Bob, and sister, Geneva.

Preceding Neils in death were his parents, son, brother Robert Lawson and sister Geneva Lawson Tennant. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Lea Lawson of Council Bluffs, IA; nephew, Steven & wife Nancy Lawson of Frisco, TX; niece, Carrie & husband Rick Brown of Council Bluffs, IA; brother-in-laws, Gene & wife Connie Fulton of Tabor, IA; Max & wife Stella Bachler of Farragut, IA; cousin, Wanda & husband Bill McNeal of Council Bluffs, IA; other nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Visitation:Thursday, April 5, 2007
7:00 PM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Friday, April 6, 2007
11:00 AM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534