Alfred M. "Shorty" Lawson 90, of Princeton, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 at his home in Princeton.

He was born Aug. 29, 1921, in Clinton, to John and Della (Pell) Lawson, both now deceased. He is also preceded by his brother, John Lawson.

He graduated from high school in 1939 and from Rose Hulman in 1947 as a civil engineer. He was a B-17 navigator in World War II. Shorty worked at Kings Mine and was superintendent of the mine, going to Indianapolis in 1968 to work away for 12 years. He was the oldest past president of Indiana Mining Institute. He was the president of Southwind Construction and later became the vice-president of the parent company Koester's Construction.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 67 years, where he was Past-Master of Prince Lodge 231 and Past Worthy Patron of the Golden Fleece Order of Eastern Star 176. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Shrine Club, driving a car in their motor patrol for several years. He was secretary of the White Church Cemetery Board and was a member of the Christian Science Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lois Lawson of Princeton; three sons, Dennis (Celia) Lawson of Brunswick, Ohio, Randy (Judy) Lawson of Francisco, and Timothy (Laurie) Lawson of Mooresville; daughter, Lisa (Steve) Madden of Vincennes; grandchildren, Wayne (Lisa) Lawson, Rebecca (Terry) Foltz, Trent (Melissa) Lawson, Chris Lawson, Treven and Cameron Madden and Aiden and Owen Lawson; great grandchildren, Amber, Courtney and Helen Lawson; and a brother, Glen Lawson of Pharr, Texas.

Private services and military graveside services conducted by the VFW Post 1147 will be held Thursday.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.

(Note: Burial was in Columbia [White Church] Cemetery.)