Department Mourns the loss of Life Member/Technician Perry R. Lawson Jr

The New Market District VFC extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Life Member/Director Technician Perry Lawson Jr.

Perry Rudelle Lawson Jr., 73, of New Market, passed away at his home on May 4, 2026.

Born on November 4, 1952, in Frederick, he was the son of the late Perry Rudelle Lawson Sr. and Pauline Phillips Lawson, and was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Perry Benjamin and Gladys Lawson. Perry was the devoted husband of Kathy Lawson, with whom he shared 43 wonderful years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Kathy, Perry is survived by his son, Gregory Lawson of New Market; his brother Ricky Lawson and partner Ben ; his sister, Lori Brabham and her husband Cliff, of Mt. Airy; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill and Becky Stem, Jim and Brenda Beall, and LouAnn Bowersox; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Linganore High School, Perry dedicated his career to serving his community. He worked for 20 years at R.F. Kline, followed by 20 years with Stem Fire Equipment, and most recently served as a school bus driver for Frederick County Public Schools.

Perry was a faithful member of Lakeview Church and a lifelong pillar of the New Market Volunteer Fire Company, where he joined in 1974. Over more than five decades of service, he was recognized as a top responder from 1974 through 2015. His dedication led him to serve in numerous leadership roles, including Board of Directors member, Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Technician, and Apparatus Committee member. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he was inducted into the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Hall of Fame in 2015, and in 2024, Engine 153 was dedicated in his honor.

Perry found great joy in spending time at the firehouse, hunting, trips to the beach, NASCAR, and cheering for Dale Earnhardt. He especially loved caring for his beloved puppy, Sadie, and treasured time spent with family and friends. He was also a proud and loving "Uncle Pappy".

The family will receive friends from 4-7 PM on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Hartzler Funeral Home, 11802 Liberty Rd., Frederick.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, at the funeral home with Pastor Roger Rich and Chaplain Gary White officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frederick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Market Vol. Fire Co., 76 W. Main St., New Market, MD 21774.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on his "tribute wall" at www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com.