Bishop Michael J. Coyner called Lawson his ""consecration bishop"" as he recalled how Bishop Lawson preached at the 1996 Episcopal Consecration Service at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference, at which Coyner was consecrated a bishop. ""Since that time, David has been a colleague, friend, advisor and supporter,"" Coyner told members of the 2007 North Indiana Annual Conference as he announced Lawson's death. ""He once told me, 'I am one of your balcony people – encouraging you in your ministry as a Bishop.' I have felt and experienced his support, especially since I returned to Indiana three years ago. I will miss having him around to provide that kind of encouragement and advice."" Bishop Coyner was at the time assigned the Indiana Episcopal Area.