Theodore “Ted” Maxwell Lawe, age 72, of Dallas, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at Doctors Hospital at Whiterock Lake. Memorial service was held Saturday, July 11, 2015 at New Hope Baptist Church in Dallas.Ted was born September 21, 1942, in Tampa, FL to Theodore M. and Ehren Corinne Prince Lawe. He married Gwendolyn McMillan in Emory on March 24, 1984.
Theodore was committed to helping others and volunteered extensively in his community. He worked for over 40 years in the public and private sectors. In the public sector, he served as the Executive Assistant to Mayor Roman Gibbs, Detroit, MI (1970-1974); and he was the First Black Assistant to City Manager George Schrader, Dallas, TX (1974-1979). In the private sector he was an entrepreneur and worked as management consultant to Metroplex Research and Development Consultants; Housing developer and Executive Director of SouthFair CDC; DFW Airport Concessions (Accommodations, Inc); and Parking Management (Ace Parking).
Until his death, he served as the Historian/Archivist/Curator at the A.C. McMillan African American Museum in Emory, TX.
He authored books and co-authored articles in the East Texas Historical Journal on the subjects of “Rosenwald Schools” and “Radical Politics in Dallas in the 20th Century.” Ted was a past President, past Board Member, and a fellow of East Texas Historical Association. He served as President of The Committee of 100, President of the Cotillion Idlewild Club, Vice President of the African American Museum, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Theodore M. Lawe held a B.S. Degree in Political Science from Bethune – Cookman University, a M.A. Degree in African American History from the University.
Theodore M. Lawe is survived by his wife and partner: Gwendolyn McMillan Lawe of Dallas; Daughter: Sylvia Lawe Williams of Longview; and Son, Theodore M. Lawe, III, and wife, Clarece, of Huntsville, AL; Sister: Joy Lawe Armstrong, of Charlotte, N.C.; Brother: Willie Brown of Clearwater, FL; Grandsons: Anthony Lawe, Alvin Lawe, Avery Lawe, Preston Lawe, and Blair Williams; Granddaughter: Eudora “Precious” Lawe; and a host of other loving family and friends.
Preceded by: Parents; Step-Father: Willie A. Brown; and Brother: Robert Lawe.
Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home of Emory was in charge of the cremation arrangements.
