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Lawrence, Robert "Bob"

April 15, 1929 –
 August 7, 2014

Obituary

Robert (Bob) Lawrence died on August 7, 2014.  Born in Dallas on April 15, 1929 to parents Jess and Kathryn Lawrence, Bob graduated from Sunset High School in 1947, served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, graduated from the University of North Texas in 1955, and worked in the insurance business throughout his life.  He and Nancy Turner Lawrence, the love of his life, married in 1953, and during his final three days, she and their children and grandchildren were among many loving family members at his bedside.

Bob could be trusted to express his thoughts with utmost candor.  He was an avid reader of history and grieved over the injustice and violence in the world.  He wanted the best for everyone and if possible, would help them attain it.  In high school, he began what would become a life-long study of the Spanish language. He also had a keen interest in automobiles, and as a proponent of safe driving skills, taught defensive driving to his children and grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by son Blake Lawrence; family members who survive to miss him are his wife Nancy, daughter Susan Edwards and husband Jim, son Brett Lawrence and wife Shelley, son Kent Lawrence, grandchildren Kurt Lawrence and fiancée’  Henan Rider, Rachel Ganter and husband Rob, Sophia Lawrence, Alec Lawrence, Ryan Lawrence, sister Barbara Lawrence Cartwright, nephews David Cook, wife Brenda and son Keylan, Marcus Cartwright, wife Liza and their children Jacob and Colton, a host of cousins and many others.

After suffering a devastating stroke, Bob’s final three days were spent in the Intensive Care Unit of Presbyterian Hospital where he received excellent care throughout his transition from this life.  His family expresses gratitude to his entire medical team for the compassion they received in letting him go.

Bob’s family will be holding a Celebration of Life gathering on Sunday, August 24, 2014 from 3-5 pm at the Grand Heritage Homes Clubhouse, 200 Grand Heritage Blvd. Lavon, TX 75166.  A private  family interment at the DFW National Cemetery will be held.   In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in honor of Bob.

 

Arrangements are under the direction of:
ARIA Cremation Service & Funeral Home
10116 E. NW Highway
Dallas, Texas 75238
214.340.8008

    Camille Sale, aka "Pete"
    10 Aug 2014
    9:07am

    Who’ll have my “back” now, sweet Bob? We will all miss you so very much.

    Bill Webb
    10 Aug 2014
    9:28am

    Nancy, I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Many fond memories of you two at cliff Temple. My best to you and your family. Blessings, Bill Webb

    Elaine Klobe
    10 Aug 2014
    10:39am

    Bob was a friendly, outgoing man and a helpful, supportive person. We spent numerous occasions together as audience members for Nancy’s musical performances, and conversation with Bob was always lively. He will be missed very much.

    johnnie curry
    10 Aug 2014
    10:41am

    I’ve known Bob for 25 years, and was a wonderful husband and father. He will be truly missed. I’m so sorry for your loss Nancy, and I’m here if you need anything.
    Much love.
    Johnnie

    Lewis Lawson
    10 Aug 2014
    12:55pm

    Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. We go back a long ways with loss of fond memories from Clarendon Dr. Baptist. Lots of socials with home made ice cream and fellowship with Christian friends. I always remember that ever present smile. Nancy the Lord will see you through.

    Brett Lawrence
    10 Aug 2014
    3:29pm

    Though Dad was known for being physically strong, even in his old age, it was his strength of character that stands out as his legacy. His unconditional love of family was inspiring, and his love for Mom was the best example of it. Thanks, Dad, for being such a great father to your children (and others) and a great husband to Mom. You are greatly missed.

    Shelley Lawrence
    10 Aug 2014
    3:42pm

    Thank you, Dad, for loving me and accepting me as a daughter and not just an in-law. You taught me that attitude is everything. You exemplified what commitment really is by your sweet love and constant devotion to mom for 61 years. You were committed to your children and grandchildren through good times and bad times. Always there to offer advice, help with an issue we were having, shed a tear and give a hug. You taught me perseverance in the face of adversity. You had a quiet strength about you.
    You will forever be missed in this heart of mine. I love you, Shelley

    Sandra and Jack Hickey
    10 Aug 2014
    3:54pm

    We were so sorry to hear of Bob passing away. Praying for Nancy and all the family members during this difficult time.

    Lou & Barry Ross
    10 Aug 2014
    4:16pm

    We admired Bob & Nancy so much while attending Clarendon Drive & Sunnyglen Bapt. Churches. Such a precious couple with those beautiful children!As newly weds, we aspired to have a marriage like the Lawrence’s. God bless you, sweet Nancy, & your precious family.You’ll forever hold a special place in our hearts.

    Rex Stark III
    10 Aug 2014
    8:25pm

    My prayers go out to the Family!
    Love to all!
    Rex and Family!

    Melody & Ben Lewis
    11 Aug 2014
    5:36am

    Nancy and family: Ben and I are so blessed to have our families re-connected recently and shared with Barbara. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your sweet music bring you peace and memories of your time together. Love Melody

    GLENN WAMBLE
    11 Aug 2014
    12:19pm

    NANCY AND FAMILY. I AM SADDENED TO LEARN OF THIS SUNSET CLASS OF 1947 CLASSMATE. BOB WAS ALWAYS VERY FRIENDLY, AND MADE OUR GATHERINGS MORE ENJOYABLE. PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE CONDOLENCE.
    GLENN WAMBLE

    Sunset High School Alumni Association
    11 Aug 2014
    7:03pm

    To Bob’s family we offer our sympathy and prayers and will forever remember our fellow Bison!

    Bruce and Leslie Hindman
    11 Aug 2014
    9:15pm

    We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

    Marcus Cartwright
    12 Aug 2014
    1:58pm

    Uncle Bob was such a source of strength and inspiration. His devotion to family and his presence in my life and others was just simply profound.
    Personally speaking, I enjoyed just being around him, hearing his voice, soaking up his knowledge of so many things and always anxious to get to see him.
    My prayers go out to my sweet Aunt Nancy and all of my wonderful cousins.

    Love Marcus

    Joann Tyler Powers
    12 Aug 2014
    3:18pm

    I was stunned when Virginia called to tell me that Bob was gone. Nancy and Bob sat across from me at the last Sunset ’47 reunion at El Fenix. He looked so vibrant and healthy. We had so much fun working with him on our reunions and will cherish those memories. Nancy, I’m grieving with you and your family. Joann

    David Cook
    15 Aug 2014
    1:51am

    My Uncle,Bob, is a tower of strength, and a glacier of wisdom and truth.
    Even now, as I am writing, he is in my head with a lifetime of excerpts he imparted to me.I have drawn on that information regularly over time, and will continue to do so, as he resides in my heart and mind forever.A Dad when I needed one, a mentor, an instructor, a lover of life and family. You are loved, Bob Lawrence. I’ll see you again when I get there.

    Jan Haley Escobedo
    16 Aug 2014
    3:09pm

    Nancy, Brett, Susan & Kent, I am so sad to hear about Bob’s death. Our families have shared so many great memories throughout the years. I know he will be greatly missed. You will be in our prayers in the coming weeks.

    Gail beach-Lewis
    16 Aug 2014
    3:26pm

    God has taken an amazing man home. One of the greatest men I have ever known, a man with an amazing amount of unconditional love for family and life. Things he shared with me will be with me the rest of my life. My love and prayers to Nancy , the family and all who had pleasure of knowing him

    kay and earl parsons
    20 Aug 2014
    3:08pm

    Bob, so many thoughts rush in. you and Nancy, our best friends for 30 years and forevermore. always there to help and lift. the conversations, whether about history, literature, language, sports or cars are treasured. your example of a good man, always a life lesson. our love to nancy.

    Kent Lawrence
    21 Aug 2014
    3:29am

    Dad, so many memories. I hear your words in my head daily. From the early years I heard you say often, “have I made myself clear”?, “gently, gently” and “in any event”.
    What a father and mentor to have. Dad was the most honest man I knew. There was never a doubt about where Dad stood on an issue, he made that clear, that is an admirable quality.
    Dad was constantly working to better himself and help others. He was reading at least one book and often times two or three at a time. Had he had more time I think he would have read every war/history book available.
    If he said it, he meant it. Dad never talked just to be talking, he didn’t waste time with fluff. He wanted to know how he could help you attain your goals. He genuinely cared.
    He loved his family so much. I never, ever heard him raise his voice with mom,(with me, many times)but not with mom, whom he referred to as LOML (love of my life). What a role model he was for so many, a humble man who was respected for his honesty, integrity and compassion.
    Independent to the end, dad was still taking care of the yard as he did the Saturday before his surgery. If mom didn’t stop him he would be climbing a ladder trying to trim branches or clean out the gutters on the house, even at age 85.
    What fun we had going to the state fair every year, mainly to look at the automobiles but for the grandkids to have fun too. I know they will always remember those fun times with their grandpa.
    Gone but not forgotten, we cherish the time we had with you and you will forever be in our hearts. We love you, Dad. RIP

    Kurt Lawrence
    25 Aug 2014
    11:00am

    Grandpa
    Having a grandpa like I did growing up was almost unfair. He always wanted the best for his kids and grandkids and he walked the walk. He was always there for us, no matter what the situation was, from the time I lived with them as a baby all the way up until they had me over for my last birthday dinner. It was never a matter of grandma and grandpa being available to us or not, they always were.
    As everyone knows, my other grandpa, Pedro, passed away when I was five years old. He died the day before Halloween, this sticks with me because it was going to be the first-time grandpa Pedro was to take my sisters and me out trick-or-treating. This is my real first memory of grandpa Bob being there for me especially as a little kiddo. You can guess who stepped in and took his grandkids trick-or-treating that year, it was grandpa Bob. It was always grandpa Bob and grandma Nancy, for everything.
    I remember when I was very young and I needed a rotten tooth pulled from eating too many sweets and grandpa was the one to take me to the dentist to have it pulled. The reason this day has stuck with me my entire life is because I remember grandpa wanting to go early enough so we could get there on time (which meant an hour early) and get breakfast at McDonalds right after, so we hurried, and we made it. The only issue was, I had moved a little too fast after the dentist had given me my shots of medication in my mouth for the pain, and I, in fact, fainted in the line at McDonalds from the medication. I just passed out right there in line. I remember awaking lying across two tables and having several people hovering over me making sure this young kid was going to be okay. I was okay, I just needed to take it easy for the rest of the day and grandpa made sure that I did. We got our breakfast and headed back home.
    One summer I lived out with grandma and grandpa for a few weeks in order to take driving school. I didn’t realize that during that time, grandma was going to put me to work helping her plant grass, but we did, and we had a great time doing it. The main reason I was there though was so Grandpa could be involved with my driving school teachings. I remember, he actually taught the class I was in about insurance for one day and by the end of the class, unfortunately, a lot of the kids didn’t make it awake. Grandpa was never the most exciting teacher but whoever stayed awake and listened received some very good knowledge on why it’s important to pick the right vehicle for lower insurance premiums. He even called me out in front of all of the students and said that every time his grandson, Kurt, sees a fast car, he says he wants it, but he also said that even if he were a millionaire, he would never buy me one like that because he cared too much about me…it took me a while to understand what he meant by that, but I eventually got it.
    Another memory that I have is that of waking up, looking out the window as a young man and seeing grandpa there waiting for me in his car. I would always need a ride somewhere when I was going to school or later going to work without my own vehicle. Grandpa was always there, waiting. He would never scold me for being a few minutes behind, but he would always stress the importance of being there early, wherever you were going, so that no one was waiting on you. Every time we would hit a little traffic, he would stress, once again, the importance of leaving early, because you never know what could happen. Also, it was safer to leave earlier so that you were not rushing. One year, he must have driven me to work every day whenever my car was broken down and being repaired. That year I was the must punctual employee that they had there at the dealership. I was always at work on time and grandpa was the reason.
    Grandpa was never a big talker on the phone…he would always answer and say “what do you know,” and soon thereafter say “here’s your grandmother.” Grandpa was more of a person that wanted to talk face to face and whenever you had to opportunity to do that, one would be naive not too. He had an insatiable knowledge for history and current events, which he was never shy about talking about, but was careful not to offend anyone. I remember he, and my fiance Henan, were having a conversation about the middle east in his living room, and, where Henan thought it was a natural conversation, the very next day, grandpa called her to apologize because he thought he maybe had said some things that would have upset her, he didn’t, and I remember the conversation and it was very normal, but he wanted to make sure she was okay. He was always concerned with making sure he didn’t upset anyone, and if he ever thought he did, he would always make quick amends.
    I have several memories of the fair, as we would go every year we could since I can remember. One that sticks out the most is how grandpa could leave the house wearing a blindfold if he wanted to, and about a half hour later he would be eating a Fletchers Corn Dogand having a Coke a Cola at the same kiosk that he had gone to as a little boy. He could navigate his skinny legs all through the fair grounds with ease. It was always the same special routine, corn dog, fudge, and then car show, every year. It was a tradition that we will continue to have take place in grandpa’s memory. He loved going and we loved going with him.
    There are so many great memories that we all hold dear from our time with grandpa, but one of the best memories I have of grandpa is that there are no bad ones. He was there anytime I needed him and he would go out of his way to make sure I was taken care of. He was a great man and his legacy lives on through all of his family and friends. No one could have asked for a nicer man to call grandpa.
    Thank you grandpa.
    Love you.

    Your Grandson,
    G Kurt Lawrence

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