Eugene "Gene" Lawrence, 95, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed

away on March 19, 2024, in Dallas, TX.

Gene was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. After graduating from high school, he enlisted

in the United States Army from 1951-1953. After serving in the military, Gene enrolled at

Kent State University where he met his wife of 62 years, Margaret Lawrence. He graduated

with a Bachelors and a Master's Degree in Music Education. His first job was with the

Medina County Schools as a Band/Orchestra Director. The next year, he accepted a job at

the Wadsworth City School District as a Band/Vocal Director. In 1965, he took the position

of Vocal Director for the Junior and Senior High Schools until his retirement in 1985. He

also held the position of Music Director at the Wadsworth United Methodist Church from

1967-1999, where he led the choir and many musical activities for the congregation. He

also directed the Derbytown Chorus in Akron, OH; The Westfield Companies Choir; and the

Wadsworth Community Choir. Gene also loved his position as a VIP Driver at Westfield

Companies, as he was charged with shuttling elite amateur and pro golfers to and from the

airport.

He belonged to many organizations and participated in numerous activities over the years

including Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Ohio Education Association, Music Educators

National Conference, American Choral Directors Association, Akron Symphony Chorus,

Blossom Festival Chorus, Chautauqua Chorus, The Harmony Grits (his barbershop

quartet), Medina County Community Band, Wadsworth Community Band Member, and

Westfield Insurance Company and PGA Golf Volunteer.

Gene and Margaret moved to Dallas in 2007 to be closer to their daughters and

grandchildren. As expected, Gene quickly became involved at Highland Springs

Retirement Community. Within a year, he was directing the Highland Springs Chorus and

loving every minute. He joined the golf club and golfed regularly and ran the Putting

Contest for many years. He was an active member of Highland Springs up until a few

weeks before he passed away.

As choral director, Gene inspired countless voices to harmonize and soar, and nurtured a

love for music in all who had the privilege of learning from him. His dedication to his craft

and his ability to bring out the best in his students and choirs will be remembered for

generations to come. As for playing the piano, Gene played by ear and had an incredible

memory for hundreds of songs. Whether at formal events or impromptu gatherings, his

piano brought people together and created unforgettable memories. His music filled the

room with warmth and brought smiles to faces, leaving a lasting impression on all who had

the pleasure of hearing him play.

Oh the stage, Gene was equally at home on the golf course, where his skill, sportsmanship

and a little ribbing earned him admiration from peers and opponents alike. His love for the

game brought joy to many, and his presence on the green will be deeply missed.

In addition to his music and golf pursuits, he was a gifted artist, infusing his creations with

passion and beauty. He especially loved working with watercolor pencils. His family and

friends will cherish his paintings for years to come.

Above all, Gene will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and wicked sense of humor.

He was a beacon of light in his community, both Wadsworth and Dallas--always ready with

a smile, a helping hand, an encouraging word, or a funny sarcastic remark. His impact on

the lives of others was immeasurable, and his memory will continue to inspire love and

gratitude in all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his two daughters, Gena Lawrence and Melinda Nystrom (Eric), and

two grandchildren Sam Nystrom (Blair), Sarah Nystrom and numerous nieces and

nephews. A celebration of life will be held on May 26, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Highland Springs

Retirement Community, 8000 Frankford Road, Dallas, TX 75252. In lieu of flowers, the

family kindly requests donations be made to Wadsworth United Methodist Church, Gene

Lawrence Memorial Music Fund, 195 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281, or donate

online at www.wadsworthumc.com and select "Give", "Memorial Gift", "In Memory of" and

specify Gene Lawrence. All donations will honor Gene's commitment to making the world a

brighter place through music.