Richard James Lawrence ("Dick')

Flower Mound, TX

February 2, 1933- April 15, 2025

Richard James Lawrence ("Dick") peacefully passed away on April 15, 2025, in Flower Mound, Texas at the age of 92.

Dick was born February 2, 1933, in Des Moines, Iowa to Roy George Lawrence and Ellyn (Ellen) Marie 'Swanson' Lawrence. Dick was the second of four children. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife Josephine Alongi Lawrence, wonderful parents, brothers Robert Roy Lawrence and Ronald Edmon Lawrence, and sister Mary Ellen Carlson. All are living in heaven.

His father's family originally immigrated to Indiana in 1856 from Achim Baden, Germany and his mother's family originally immigrated to Iowa from Mililla parish of Garveda, Sweden in 1897.

Dick grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, was a newspaper delivery boy, played piano and attended East High School. He attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa before being inducted into the Army in 1954 and was discharged in 1956 with a rank equivalent to Corporal. After the Army he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa in 1958.

After moving to Chicago for work in his late twenties he met Josephine Alongi at the Monterey Apartment Hotel in Chicago where he was living. She was babysitting her boss's daughter at the time. They were married in 1961 and over time raised a family with three sons while residing in Chicago, Baltimore, Kansas City and North Dallas. In his mid-40's he started his own business that he worked in for over thirty years alongside his wife and two of his sons.

He introduced Christianity into the lives of his family. During his life he was actively involved in church, bible studies and various ministries including Grandparent ministries. He was a devoted Christian and a loving father, husband, son, grandfather and friend.

Dick is survived by his sons Richard (Rick), Jonathan and Geoffrey: daughter-in-law Nancy: and six grandchildren, Michael, Ian, Marie, Symantha, Nicolas and Carly residing in Texas and New York. In his End of Life Wishes, he said "The highlights of my life are 1) receiving Jesus Christ as my living Savior, 2) my marriage to my loyal and wonderful wife who gave me three wonderful sons and 3) having six wonderful grandchildren. My inspiration in life was to serve my God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

His family remember him as loving, kindhearted, funny and strong-willed. He was very sociable and loved to talk to people at church, at work and at the store. He loved to laugh, joke around and help others. He would never hesitate to spend time with his grandchildren, enjoy family and play with the dogs. His favorite thing later in life was to go out for breakfast with family and go to church with his grandchildren. He leaves a sad void together with happy memories in the hearts of family and friends. We miss him greatly.

Family and friends are invited to attend an informal outdoor 'celebration of life' memorial service on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Dallas- Ft. Worth National Cemetery and remember our wonderful Father, Husband, Grandfather and Friend. We will meet up at 3 pm at Staging Lane '2' and proceed together to Outside Shelter 'B' for a brief service to be officiated by his old friend Mel Wiggins and family. Please bring your fondest memories to share. A graveside gathering will be held immediately after.