David Law

David Law, 64, passed away in Montgomery, Texas on October 14th, 2025. David was born in Tucson, Arizona in 1961, the second child and only son of Bernard and Lissy Richins Law. He was an alumnus of the University of Arizona with degrees in math, physics, and astronomy. He worked for the United States Navy and Marine Corps as a chief scientist for the Department of Defense, primarily at Quantico in Virginia. Among his professional achievements, he was most proud of being project manager at the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, or DARPA, in Washington, D.C. He was instrumental in the design and creation of scientific and technological systems, such as a specific periscope still used by war fighters today. In his retirement, he worked for ManTech as a consulting scientist. He made many cherished relationships during his time at Dahlgren, Quantico, DARPA, and ManTech that he found intellectually enriching. David was a devoted husband to Gaye and loving father to Rebecca and his late daughter Gracie. He was an active participant in Rebecca and Gaye’s love of musical theatre, often running the sound system and building sets for the musicals Gaye would costume and Rebecca would perform in. He shared the stage with Rebecca once as Grandpa George in Willy Wonka, helped Gaye cart costumes and equipment all over Virginia, and filled every car ride with song. David attended every recital, dance competition, and performance either of “his girls” contributed to. He was married to his beloved wife for 31 years, no couple loved each other more than Dave and Gaye. David was a friend to many in Fredericksburg, Virginia, often referred to as “Papa Law” by the kids at Christian Youth Theater and Chancellor Baptist Church. He hosted many card games at his home, and Frisbee or basketball tournaments in the church parking lot. He took several adult dance classes and performed as Pontious Pilate for a church Easter service. He was an avid collector of antique guns and loved to show them off at the gun range. David also loved to travel, taking trips all over the world for work, and bringing Gaye on many road trips across America. He would often stop at used book stores to search for Andre Norton books, as he was a huge science fiction lover. As self proclaimed Star Trek fans, or trekkies, David and Gaye collected an entire Christmas tree’s worth of Star Trek ornaments. David could quote every episode of The Big Bang Theory and found a kindred spirit in Sheldon. David looked forward to becoming a “gray-beard” at work, having earned the respect and admiration of his peers. What he didn’t know is that he already had. David was intensely kind, dangerously smart, fiercely protective of his loved ones, funny in times of hardship, and one of the best men God ever made. He is survived by his loving wife, Gaye Law, and his daughter Rebecca Law, his sister Cathy Westervelt and her husband Richard of Tucson, Arizona, two nieces, Lisa Holdaway and Bernadette Law, and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Lissy Law, and his second daughter Grace Ann Law. David will have a memorial service in both Texas and Virginia. The Texas service will be held at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Willis, Texas on September 25th at 11 a.m., and the Virginia service will be held in early November at Falmouth Baptist Church, date and time forthcoming.

David Law

March 3, 1961 - October 14, 2025