Norman Martin Lawson, 73, of Chesterton, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2009 at VNA Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso.

He was born December 16, 1935 in Gary, the son of Bert and Etta (Meadows) Lawson, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by three sons, David M. (Helen) Lawson, of Hobart, Daniel (Julie) Lawson, of Porter and Eric Nelson, of Porter; three daughters, Debra (Randy) Veatch, of LaPorte, Rebecca (Barney) Harvilliv, of Tenn. and Cynthia (Robert) Veatch, of LaPorte; 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; sister, Olgie Lawson, of South Bend; three brothers, Bert (Ginny) Lawson, of Texas, Robert (Sandy) Lawson, of New Webster, IN and Ray (Sharon) Lawson, of Kouts.

Preceded in death by a son, Timothy Paul Lawson, and mother of his children, Flora Mae Lawson of February 11, 2003.

Norm served in the Army 82nd Airborne from 1954 to 1957. He was a Sergeant with the Chesterton Police Department from 1962-1971. He was manager of Smedmans grocery store in the 60s and 70s, Town Marshall with the Town of Dune-Acres from 1964-1999 and was owner of Lawson Painting in Valparaiso for 33 years.

Norm donated his body to Indiana University Medical School to be used for medical research.

A memorial service, Pastor Cathy Allison officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 21 at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 21 from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to VNA Horton Hospice Center, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

For information, please call White-Love Funeral Home, 926-1309.