Jack Winston Lawter

Jack W. Lawter
March 18, 1928-May 18, 2022

Jack W. Lawter was born to Charles Morgan and Eula Rogers Lawter in Frederick, OK on March 18, 1928. He passed away May 18, 2022, in Oklahoma City, OK. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Donna Lee Willis, on June 19, 1947. They had two sons, Jack W. Lawter, Jr. and Joe B. Lawter.

He graduated from Central High School of Oklahoma City, Class of 1946. He received a B.A. in History and Political Science from Oklahoma City University. In 1955, Jack graduated from the University of Oklahoma Law School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1948, and served in the U.S. Army, in Korea, from 1951-1953, serving as 1st Lieutenant and Finance Officer. He also served in the Oklahoma National Guard from 1955-1958 as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corp.

After graduating from college and law school, Jack had a love and passion for politics and law. Early in his legal career he served as Assistant Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner and Legal Counsel for the Insurance Commissioner, Hon. Joe B. Hunt. From 1958-1959, he served as President of Commonwealth Life Insurance Company, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1962, he organized the Cattlemen’s Life Insurance Co., where he was President and Chairman of the Board. He also served as a Director of the Union Mutual Insurance Co, from 1972-1976. Jack served two terms as President of the Oklahoma Association of Life Insurance Companies. He served as president of the Oklahoma Bar Professional Liability Insurance Co. When he was not serving in the roles set forth above, Jack pursued a general practice of law, including the representation of insurance companies, the handling of real estate matters and estate planning. He loved to discuss the latest political events and legal cases with his two sons who followed him into a legal career.

Jack was an active member of Putnam City Christian Church in Oklahoma City, and later, First Christian Church of Norman. At Putnam City Christian Church he served as an elder, chairman of the board, vice chairman and member of the managing board. He also served as a Sunday School leader for many years. He was active in the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and served as President of the Southwest American Livestock Foundation.

Jack loved meeting people from all over the world. He had a passion for travel. He and Donna traveled extensively in the U.S. and around the world. He was a wonderful storyteller. His personality was bigger than life itself. His greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his sons and friends while playing golf or watching spectator sports. He was an avid private pilot and enjoyed flying with his family and friends.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Jack W. Lawter Jr. and Dianne Lawter of Houston, TX and daughter-in-law, Dr. Lisa J. Lawter of Norman, OK. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jack W. Lawter, III, Morgan A. Lawter, Parker W. Lawter, and Leyton B. Lawter; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Morgan and Eula Rogers Lawter, his wife and lifelong love, Donna Lee Lawter, and his son Joe B. Lawter. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Charles Morgan Lawter, Jr., Max Rogers Lawter and Alice Lawter Mesz.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022, at First Christian Church 220 S. Webster Ave., Norman, OK. The family would like to express their thanks to the many caregivers who provided love and support.