Marvin Eugene "Gene" Lawson's Obituary
Marvin Eugene “Gene” Lawson, age 73, of Locust Grove, VA, passed away Friday, January 27,
2023, at Mary Washington Hospital. He was born in Richlands, VA, on August 19, 1949, to the
late James and Margaret E. Lawson.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Paula Lawson. They met in 1968, at the
Alexander Skating Rink, and were married on December 18, 1968. In their 54 years of marriage,
Gene and Paula enjoyed attending car shows and races, building Antique Cars, and traveling in
their motorhome.
Gene leaves behind two children, Barbara Lawson Bischoff and Norvel Eugene Lawson
(Michele); grandchildren, Tammy Smith, Dorthy Bischoff “Doodlebug” (Tyler), Richard Bischoff
Jr. “Ned” (Sierra), Mollie Lawson (Jonathan), Cody Bischoff “codemiester” (Brittani), Tyler
Lawson, Paul Lawson “Yubba”, and Skylar Lawson; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Bailey, Tyler
Jr. “TJ,” Violet, Serenity, Tyler IV, Layla, Tyler V, Andres “Breadman”, Laurence, and Richard Jr.
“Ned Junior;” as well as dear family friends Mager Sullivan, Stephanie Powers, Devin Mantegna,
Nick Romans, Brooke Murray, and many trucking and family friends. He joins this grandson,
Hunter Lawson, great-grandchildren, Tyler III, and two angel babies, in heaven.
Gene was a truck driver for over 50 years, with the handle “Double D,” hauling mail from Virginia
to Washington, DC, until retiring in 2015. He was a “jack of all trades,” with great knowledge in
mechanics, carpentry, and plumbing. He had a true passion for building Antique Cars, with his
‘66 Pontiac GTO is his most recent project, and that of which he passes to his grandsons.
His children remember the many lessons he taught them, Sunday drives through the mountains,
fishing, the immense love he had for them, and his ability to make light of any situation, no
matter if good or bad.
Gene enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them
valuable lessons in hard work, mechanics, and various trades. His grandchildren remember
their many memories with “Pawpaw” in the motorhome, at Lake Anna, working on vehicles
and various handiwork around the house. He never missed a moment in the garage or driveway,
helping “the boys'” with their race cars, and watching them run passes up and down the street,
always being sure to remind them to “Be Careful.” He always watched with a wide grin. At times,
Gene was much more than a “Pawpaw” to his grandchildren, often stepping up as the father
figure in most of their lives. They will cherish the memories made with him, his endless love, and
most of all his constant perseverance through any obstacle put in his way.
Gene was a jokester with a sense of humor like no other, who truly showed his kindness and
love to everyone he came into contact with. He always wanted to lend a helping hand, to those
he could, and was always the person to call, with any question you had. Gene will be
remembered as a hardworking provider, who loved and cherished his loving wife of 54 years,
children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many dear loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research
Foundation. A private service will be held for family and close friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Marvin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marvin?
Share a story where Marvin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marvin you’ll never forget.
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