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Life story

" Patrick Dale Lawson, 90, of Culpeper, Virginia, passed away peacefully, joining his beloved wife, Laura Lee (Kirkpatrick) Lawson, who preceded him in death by one year. Patrick and Laura were married in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on September 7, 1954. They moved to Virginia, where Patrick began his career with the federal government in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. They moved to Culpeper in 1979 after buying a farm. He commuted back and forth to work for several years before choosing early retirement to pursue what had always been his true calling — farming.

Patrick was born to Adam E. Lawson and Eleanor Burke Lawson, both of whom preceded him in death. His love for the land began in childhood, spending summers on his grandparents’ farm, where he learned the rhythms and responsibilities of farm life. Those early experiences shaped the rest of his life. On his own farm in Culpeper, he raised and sold purebred Suffolk sheep and Black Angus cattle, work he continued with pride and dedication until his retirement in 2019. Their daughter, Suzanne, joined them raising purebred sheep on their farm. Michael, their son, moved onto Lawson Deerfield Farm land where he raised his family, worked as a firefighter and paramedic, and helped on the farm. Their daughter, Linda moved to Culpeper with her husband after he finished his law degree and started their family.

Patrick is also preceded in death by his son, Michael John Lawson, and Michael’s wife, Shirley. Patrick is survived by his daughters, Linda Lee Close (Gary) and Suzanne Lawson Bennett.

He was a proud grandfather to Ashley Brown, Kerie Bennett, Erin Bennett, Bailey Bennett Fink (Zack), Margaret Close Elliott (Matt), Patrick Close, Petra Lawson Mullins (Jody), Heidi Lawson Barton (John), and Heather Lawson Brown.

He was also blessed with great grandchildren who brought him joy: Carey Brown, Caiden Brown, Zoey Fink, Nora Elliott, Makayla Smith, Gabriel Barton, Dawson Vasilas (Taylor), Dustin Brown, and Alexander Brown.
Patrick leaves behind many brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, all of whom were part of the wide circle of family he cherished.

Beyond farming, Patrick had a wide range of interests that reflected his curiosity and creativity. He was an avid collector of stamps, bobble heads, and especially model trains. He even customized a shed on his property to serve as his train room — a space filled with imagination and craftsmanship. His hands were always busy with something meaningful: woodworking, creating puzzles, painting, and exploring countless other crafts that brought him joy.

Patrick will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep connection to the land, and the many passions that filled his long and full life.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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