Stephen Roy Lawrence, 59, of Orange, Texas, passed away on April 11, 2024, at his home in Orange.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Francis of Assisi in Orange. Officiating will be Father Benjamin. Burial will follow at St Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Orange, Texas, on February 18, 1965, he was the son of Dewey “Buck” Lawrence and Mabel Wingate Lawrence. Described as a man of many talents, he had a special love for writing and was in the process of weaving his thoughts into a devotional book. An avid fan of football, particularly the Dallas Cowboys, Stephen found joy and excitement in following the ups and downs of his favorite team. He loved celebrating the Super Bowls, and every year, he was proud to say the Super Bowl number reflected his age! In years past you could find him, oftentimes, climbing to lie on the roof to watch the storm clouds and dream of chasing tornadoes. Beyond the earthly realm, Stephen's fascination with astronomy propelled him to gaze at the night sky in wonder. Whether seeking spiritual solace or eagerly anticipating a meteor shower, he found peace and awe in the vast expanse above, especially if he could experience it camping in the mountains. He found joy in picking blackberries and playing chess and passed his love for these on to his children.
Not only was Stephen intellectually curious, but he also possessed a remarkable sense of humor. Known for his quick wit and penchant for sarcasm, he never missed an opportunity to deliver a well-timed dad joke. Stephen was always proud to be a faithful, practicing Catholic and spent many hours in daily prayer. Health permitting, he was privileged to participate in St. Francis’ daily rosary at the chapel. In previous years, he participated in a weekly Holy Hour at St. Mary’s Adoration Chapel. He enjoyed sharing his devotion to Christ with his children.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Mabel Lawrence; his brothers, Darrell Lawrence and Timothy Lawrence; and two nieces and a nephew.
He is survived by his children, Angela Hebert of Greenville, Darrell Lawrence of Spring, Elizabeth Frederick of Greenville, Daniel Lawrence of Orange, and Stephen Lawrence of Orange; his grandchildren, Madison Hebert, Cameron Hebert, and Adalyn Benoit; and his siblings, Michael Lawrence, Dr. Patrick N. Lawrence, M.D., Maureen Shupp, Roger Lawrence, Eileen Romano, Christal Finck, Darlene Brister, Marian Kinchen, Theresa Fennessey, Kevin Lawrence, Maribeth Ray, and C.B. Lawrence. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He had a deep devotion to family, which extended to at least a hundred cousins, first and second. He took great joy in attending the many yearly family reunions.
Serving as pallbearers will be Darrell Lawrence, Daniel Lawrence, Stephen Lawrence, Travis Lawrence, Vincent Brooks, and Peter Wingate. Alternate pallbearers are Dustin Brooks, Michael Lawrence, Kevin Lawrence, C.B. Lawrence, and Roger Lawrence.