Lawson Smith

An eternal Cowboy, Lawson Smith was also a devoted son, dedicated husband, loving father, nurturing papaw, and loyal friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin L Smith and Elva Kidd Smith and brother A.E. Smith. He is survived by his wife of almost 29 years Ann; daughter Tamara Smith and husband Dave Blouin of Tubac, AZ; two sons Darin Smith of Salt Lake City, UT; and Cody Lusk and his wife Michelle of Arlington, VA; five grandsons Tyler and Carter Blouin; Garrett, Gibson and Griffin Lusk; nephew Derrick Smith and nieces Telia Penn and Alicia Marck; and Godchild Cutter Whipple. He is also survived by Colleen Hodge, Gene Whaley and Ronnie Horton whom he and Ann embraced as family over the years.

Throughout Lawson's life, he was blessed with wonderful family and surrounded by tremendous friends. They made his life full and brought him great joy over the years.
Lawson was born and raised in Jayton, Texas and graduated from Peacock High School in 1946. From the beginning, he worked with his family on their ranch where he gained a great love for the "cowboy" life.
From 1951-54, Lawson served in the U.S. Air Force where he did tours in Puerto Rico and England. After his military service, he attended McMurry College in Abilene, TX. He then married and began a career in the feed lot industry, eventually retiring from Micro Chemical.

In his career, he moved around west Texas and eventually settled in Ruidoso, NM in 1978 where Lawson focused on his artistic abilities while opening up Smith LTD Art gallery with his family. The gallery showcased his bronze western sculptures and metal artwork. A natural-born artist, Lawson was inspired by his western upbringing and was recognized by the American Academy of Fine Arts in 1976.
"Cowboy logic" guided Lawson throughout his life impacting the decisions he made, the way he lived, and how he shaped the lives of others.

In 1988, he married the former Ann Lusk. Together they enjoyed living in their home by the river and found great satisfaction in running their business, Smith RV Park in Ruidoso, NM. Over the years, many people who began as customers, grew into friends and felt like family. Lawson loved working around the property, sitting on the porch with friends, practicing his roping, and talking about ranching. He also looked forward to his monthly trips to his beloved ranch to work with the cattle and be close to his family there.

His funeral service will be Friday, September 15, 2017, at 3:00 P.M. in LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Ruidoso or a charity of your choice.

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