YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Mr. James D. “Donnie” Lawson, 91, Youngstown, departed this life on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, peacefully in Greenbriar Healthcare Center.

Mr Lawson was born February 18, 1932 in Youngstown, a son of James and Vera Elizabeth Lawson.

He was a 1950 graduate of The Rayen High School. He played a year of college football.

He was a laborer for Union Local #400 for many years; he worked for many years for Youngstown Parks and Recreation.

His hobbies were playing Mahjong on the computer and other video games on the gaming systems. He coached for Rayen High School’s baseball team; coached/played for the Soul Gents softball team sponsored by Linton Funeral Home and Hilltop Semi-Pro baseball teams. He enjoyed talking with people. He never met a stranger.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, James J. Glenn; a stepson, Gerald (Nikisia) Glenn, Sr.; grandchildren, LaTora Young and Jadyn Glenn; a host of stepgrandchildren; seven stepgreat-grandchildren; nieces, Theresa Lamons, Patricia (Nicholas) Symonette and Valencia Meeks; nephew, Robert Johnson; three cousins, Lois Jane Fortune, Barbara Orr and Jackie Manigualt  and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lois Jane Chandler; close companion, Juanita E. Glenn; stepson, Thomas Young and Brenda Lawson.

Funeral service will be Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home. Friends may call from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

We are honored and grateful for choosing us to care for your bereavement needs. Thank you so much for entrusting us to your care.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, August 15 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.