Eric Brian Lawson, 60, passed away on August 27, 2026, from complications following a stroke. He was born on August 5, 1966, in Tacoma, Washington, to the former Sumner City mayor, Richard Lawson, and watercolor artist, Eunice Smith.
Eric was wildly creative, naturally curious, passionate, and extraordinarily devoted to the people and animals he loved and adored. He proudly served in the United States Navy, and after his honorable discharge, he continued to carry with him a strong sense of loyalty, commitment, and genuine care for others, always being a pillar of support.
He had a vivid imagination and loved the endless worlds he could create as a Dungeon Master. As an avid Dungeons & Dragons player, he spent countless hours immersed in stories, characters, building worlds, and adventures with friends. He also loved painting miniatures, carefully bringing each one to life with intricate details and personality, taking after his mother’s talent. He obtained a degree in photography from the Art Institute of Seattle, allowing for additional creative outlets to emerge.
Eric had an enormous heart for animals and loved them deeply. His compassion for them was one of the many ways his tenderness showed through.
Family, to Eric, was defined by active caring, love, and respect shown. He believed in consideration and showing support. Over the years, he built a large and deeply loved chosen family made up of friends who became brothers, sisters, and loved ones. He had a gift for creating connection – primarily through exquisitely dry humor – and for making people feel seen. The community of people who loved Eric reflects the kind of life he lived and the bonds he formed.
At the time of his passing, Eric was preparing to begin a special new chapter. He was engaged to Jessica Higgins, and the two were to be married the following month (September 2026). He looked forward to their wedding and the life they were building together… he and Jessica daydreamed about adventures still to be had.
Anyone who knew them knew they were truly best friends. Loving one another unconditionally.
Eric leaves behind a collection of rich memories: late-night games, painted (and those “in queue”) miniatures, photographs, laughter, lessons in acute sarcasm, deep conversations, animals he adored, friendships that became family, and a lot of moments left to be had.
His absence will be felt deeply by Jessica, by his chosen family, and by everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him.
Eric will be cremated, and a private memorial gathering will be held at a location separate from the funeral home, where family, friends, and loved ones may come together to remember him, share stories, and celebrate his life. Additional details regarding the memorial will be shared with those wishing to attend.
In honor of Eric’s lifelong love and compassion for animals, the family asks that, instead of flowers, memorial donations be made to the DeKalb Animal Shelter in the name of “The Eric Lawson.”
Eric will be remembered not simply for the things he enjoyed or accomplished, but for the life he created around himself—a life full of imagination, loyalty, friendship, love, and belonging. The people who loved Eric will carry pieces of him with them always.
“I am going to live forever.. I am immortal.” A pinky promise he is keeping to his fiancée, Jessica Higgins.
Eric specifically would want to say a special thanks to the following people who stayed with him all the way to the end, keeping him surrounded in his humor and love, as he fought and WON his own Balrog battle and cared for Jessica. Amelia Atnip & Stetson Agee, Karleigh Atnip & Dakota Hale, Eleonore Atnip & Jordan Atnip, Andy Frasier, Presley Agee, Ava Nokes, Skyler Young, Memphis Young & Violet “Canadian Baby”, Chandler Johnson, Kerstian Kelsey (Curtis), Tony Pedro, Lilianna, Chelsey, Rachael, Chris Sneed, Marla Tramel, Chevelle Lockwood, Teresa & David Folsom, Bert Mitchum (Shain), Thomas Smith (Ninth), Jacob Jenkins (Tilly, Tully..), Walter Langford (Baylor), Carly, Olivia, & Bonne – ICU nurses at CRMC, Mike & Jaley – DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Stella, Naomi (Beana; Pickle), Lily, Hazel, Cooper, Pippin, Guinivere, Morgana, and Freddie.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Lawson family.
