JOPLIN, Mo. (NEXSTAR) – Driven by the legacy of his father, a World War II pilot, Doug Lawson decided to follow a similar path. During the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War, Lawson enlisted in the Navy Reserve and was deployed overseas in 1969.

“My father was a B-25 pilot during World War Two,” Lawson shared in a recent interview, reflecting on the profound influence his father had on his life choices.

As the Vietnam War unfolded, Lawson found himself at a crossroads, recognizing that military service was likely in his future. “There was a war, there was a draft, and I understood that my time would come sooner or later,” he said. “Seeing friends in the Naval Reserve, I decided to join the Navy Reserve myself.”

Upon returning home, Lawson shifted gears, pursuing a divinity degree and eventually carving out a career as a Navy chaplain, providing spiritual support to servicemen and women.

After returning home, he pursued a divinity degree and embarked on a career as a Navy chaplain.

Lawson’s career would force him to relocate numerous times, including assignments in Hawaii, Camp Pendleton, California, and Sigonella, Sicily. He also served at the Navy hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

Although primarily stationed on land, Lawson served aboard the USS William H Stanley and the USS Kitty Hawk, where he made emotional connections with his work.

“I had 50 sailors who were new fathers, who had not seen their children. So when we pulled into port, they were the first ones off, you know, which was just an amazing thing,” Lawson recalled. “You know, some people don’t realize that life goes on, even when the ship’s at sea.”

After retiring from the Navy, Lawson returned to Joplin, where he taught and worked as a part-time hospital chaplain. He has also served on the city council, including a term as mayor.

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