Albert Michael “Mike” Lawson IV, 67, of Nazareth, PA, passed away peacefully Saturday June 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born in Braconne, France in 1959 to proud parents Marilyn Mazar Lawson and Albert "Sonny" Lawson Ill while they were stationed in the Army abroad. Mike's family then relocated back to Annandale, NJ where Mike spent his early years, and often recounted hilarious stories of his childhood there. Mike's sister Laurie Lawson Brunstetter was born after the family's return to Annandale, and the two would always remain close, but never more so than during Mike's last few years.

Mike's family left NJ and moved to Plainfield Twp, Pa in 1971 to their newly purchased 31-acre Lafona Mills Farm. Mike loved horses from a very young age. It was at Lafona Mills that his parents bought Mike his first quarter horse, "Buck", and his love of horsemanship truly began.

Mike graduated from Pen Argyl High School and then went on to become a farrier after attending the East Coast Farrier School in Martinsville, VA. Mike married at the age of 27. He was married for 30 years during which time the couple adopted two sons, Max and Chris.

During his adult career, Mike became known and loved as one of the preeminent horse trainers and breeders in our area. Mike ran his own stable for many years where he trained and bred some of the finest quarter horses to ever come out of our area. Mike travelled extensively across the country and won innumerable awards for both his equestrian breeding and training skills. As time progressed Mike also became very involved in several of the local riding clubs and was known and loved for the lessons he provided to so many upcoming equestrians, sharing his love of the lifestyle and helping to ensure the continuation of horsemanship in our region.

After many decades of hard work doing what he loved to do, Mike's final career move was to open Lehigh Valley Tack Shop together with his close friend, John. Mike loved being in the Tack Shop where he would see so many of his old friends, and where he was also able to meet so many new people who shared his love of horses. Mike would spend countless hours chatting across the counter with friends old and new and was often sought out for his encyclopedic knowledge of everything equestrian.

Ever a gentleman, ever a friend to his fellow man, Mike was strong, intelligent, kind and humorous. Mike touched so many lives both personally and professionally and will be loved and missed by so many. So, goodbye for now, dear friend. We love you, Mike.

Friends and family are invited to call from 10:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, June 20th at Schmidt Funeral Home PC, 202 West St., Wind Gap, with funeral services starting at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow in Plainfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.