Our Staff

Ryan began his career at Lawson Funeral Home while he was still in high school as a Funeral Assistant. After he graduated high school in 2013, he pursued his educational studies at the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston. Ryan graduated with honors and distinction from Commonwealth Institute receiving his Certificate of Funeral Directing in December of 2014. Shortly after graduation in December Ryan chose to further his education. He received his Associate of Applied Science degree in June of 2015 graduating with honors and distinction. In May of 2018, he married Kamree Kuykendall the middle granddaughter of Larry and Beverly Lawson. On April 13, 2019, they welcomed a little girl to this world, Lena Kaye and on September 6, 2022, they welcomed a little boy, Lawson Daniel. Ryan serves as the Manager/FDIC of Lawson Funeral Home. Ryan is a lifetime resident of Meridian and his greatest passion is to serve people in their time of need.

Kamree Kuykendall Nieuwenhuis was born in Clifton, Texas to Rickey Kuykendall and Kristy Lawson. She has been around the funeral business from a young age as she is the middle granddaughter of Larry and Beverly Lawson. On May 5, 2018, she married Ryan Nieuwenhuis. Together they have one daughter, Lena Kaye, and one son, Lawson Daniel. Kamree and Ryan work together to serve families with care and compassion.

Dan Nieuwenhuis started part-time with Lawson Funeral Home in 2015. He is the father of Ryan Nieuwenhuis. Dan helps after hours with removals and on weekends with funeral services. He is a big part of the Lawson Funeral Home family.

Leo Young came to be a part of Lawson Funeral Home in 2022. He helps in many ways around the funeral home. He serves as a funeral assistant. He is the grandfather of Ryan Nieuwenhuis.

Denise Nieuwenhuis has been a part of Lawson Funeral Home since 2012. She always steps in whenever a family requests her talent. She is the mother of Ryan Nieuwenhuis. Often Denise will be behind the piano as well as singing at many funerals with her mother, Vicki, and son, Ryan. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful talent on staff.

Vicki Young became a part of the Lawson Funeral Home Family in 2022. She serves as one of our dedicated Funeral Assistants. Vicki is the grandmother of Ryan Nieuwenhuis. As a native of Meridian and Bosque County, she brings a lot of knowledge to serving the families of Lawson Funeral Home.

Alicia Buck Hoover was born and raised in Meridian, Texas to Cleve and Sharon Buck.  She is a proud veteran after serving in the US Army from 2004 to 2011. She married her husband, Ryan, in 2006 and together they have four sons: Cullen, Ethan, Easton, and Eli. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and is currently a student at the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services in Houston to become a licensed funeral home director and embalmer. In her free time, you can find her in the great outdoors enjoying her family or chasing her boys to different sporting events. Her passion is helping others, and you can always hear her saying, “I love my people.” 

Kenadee Kuykendal was born in Waco, Texas, and raised in Meridian her whole life.  She is the daughter of Rickey Kuykendal and Kristy Lawson and the youngest granddaughter to Larry and Beverly Lawson.    She is a 2024 graduate of Tarleton State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Services and Development.  She is a great asset to Lawson Funeral Home as an after-hours assistant in areas needed.  In her spare time, you can find her working with her students in the ag barn doing what she loves.