Philip Lawson

Philip Walter Lawson, 83, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015 in Casper, Wyoming after a long battle with diabetes. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Lawson, of 52 years and his daughter, Adriane Lawson of Casper. Phil is survived by two daughters, Charlotte Benardis and husband, Dave, and their two children, Violet and Matt of Casper; Claudine Seger and husband, David, and their twin boys, Adam and Andrew of Tucson, Arizona; and his grandson Cody Lawson of Casper. Phil was born in Ajo, Arizona and raised in Morenci, AZ. He graduated in 1953 from the University of Arizona with a B. S. degree in psychology. Phil began his career in Arizona with Phelps Dodge and then moved to Wyoming to work for Green Mountain Uranium Corp. in Lander. There, he met Mildred Davis while doing community theatre in 1959. They were married two years later. Phil and Mildred were instrumental in the organization of the Little Theatre group in Casper. Phil loved the theatre! He organized the Wyoming Theatre Association in 1969. Governor Stan Hathaway appointed him to the first Arts Council in Wyoming. After years in the mining exploration industry, Phil retired as manager of Scinti-Log in Casper in 1981. Phil spent his retirement years engaged in many different hobbies. Most summers, you could find Phil in his beautiful gardens in Paradise Valley and later at his home in Casper. Phil and Mildred explored the United States for almost ten years in their motor home. During their travels, they saw the balloon festival in Albuquerque, visited friends and family in Michigan and Maine, and stopped at all cemeteries in-between doing genealogical research. They spent six winters as snowbirds down in Tucson, Arizona. Phil was a brilliant man. He was a talented artist and a skillful photographer. During his theatre years, Phil was a playwright, set designer, actor, and director. To many friends and family he was known as a philosopher, corresponder, and a great entertainer. His immediate family also knew him as a wine maker, baker, and candle stick maker. Whatever Phil did, he did it fully. His unique wit will be truly missed by all. As per his request, there will be no services held for Phil. Please remember him in your own way. Arrangements made by Bustard's Funeral Home and Crematory.