David Francis Lawyer

Lt. Colonel David Francis Lawyer, 82, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away on September 20, 2025. He was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on March 26, 1943, to the late Robert and Vera Lawyer. David grew up in Kennett, Missouri, where he attended high school before enrolling at Harding University, graduating in 1966 with a degree in Business Administration. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1974. In 1966, he began a distinguished 23-year career in the United States Air Force. His service included initial assignments at Vandenberg AFB in California and Warner Robbins AFB in Georgia. In 1969, he was sent overseas during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Clark AFB in the Philippines on two separate occasions. While stationed in the Philippines, he was the Aide de Camp to the Commanding General of the 13th Air Force. Upon his return to the states 1975, his first service assignment was the missile program at the Little Rock AFB in Jacksonville where was the section commander of three Titan II missiles. In 1983, he was assigned to the ROTC program at the University of Arkansas where he rose to the rank of Lt Colonel. His final assignment was at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL where he was the national director of training for the Civil Air Patrol until his retirement in 1988. After retiring from the Air Force, David opened a travel agency, which gave him and his beloved wife, Geneva Gay “Genny” (Combs) Lawyer — whom he married on August 28, 1965 — the opportunity to see the world together. They cherished their travels, especially when shared with friends. In 2001, David and Genny made Searcy their home to be near their grandchildren, whom they adored and supported in every activity. A man of deep faith, David was a member of the College Church of Christ, where he served as an elder for ten years and led the Life Resources International outreach program, providing vital supplies for groups overseas. David will be remembered for his ever-present smile, his infectious laugh, and his gift for encouraging others. He loved people, loved to laugh, and loved making others laugh. His favorite pastimes included traveling, volunteering, working in his yard, and spending time camping and hunting on the family property near Melbourne, Arkansas. Above all, he loved his family — especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren — who brought him immense joy. David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Genny; his daughter, Amy Maddox (Brian); grandchildren David Reid Maddox (Caitlyn), Halle Jo Smith (Grant), and Christina Pierce (Ryan); and three great-grandchildren, Hudson, Evelyn and Oakley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Vera Lawyer, and his brothers, Richard and Michael Lawyer. Visitation will be held Friday, September 26, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the College Church of Christ in Searcy. A private family graveside service with full military honors will be held on Saturday, September 27, at Combs Cemetery in Melbourne, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Brian Maddox, Reid Maddox, Grant Smith, Ryan Pierce, Matt Lawyer, and Robert Lawyer. Honorary Pallbearers are the volunteer workers at the Life Resources International program in Judsonia, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Life Resources International Program through the College Church of Christ.

David Francis Lawyer

March 26, 1943 - September 20, 2025