GERALD EUGENE LAWRENCE
GERALD EUGENE LAWRENCE
Gerald Eugene Lawrence, son of Kate and Ed Lawrence, was born April 24, 1941 at Blockton, Iowa. He passed away at his home in Perry, Iowa on June 13, 2013 after a lengthy illness.
Jerry attended Blockton public school and lived in Blockton most all of his life. He was united in marriage to Corina Hoffman in Blockton on November 23, 1964. To this union one son, Mark Eugene, was born.
Jerry worked with heavy equipment on construction after getting out of school. In July 1965, he started employment with Taylor county. He worked for Taylor county for 30 years before retiring in 1995 due to failing health. He loved his job with Taylor county, taking pride in his work and also the friends he had made. After retiring, he would call the maintainer men and tell them to ‘clear all of his favorite rabbit hunting roads first!’ He loved working with big equipment, helping Blockton area friends on their farms; he especially loved harvest time. Another pastime was to relax and play poker with family and friends. Jerry served on the Blockton city council and took pride in the town, always mowing and thinking of ways to improve the streets.
After Corina retired, they decided to move to Arkansas for the nice weather and did so in the fall of 2005. They lived there until March 2013 when they moved back to be closer to family and two new great-grandsons. Jerry enjoyed his many good friends and loved hunting and fishing and being with his family. He liked to travel and took several trips through the United States. The last few years were with the grandsons, Tyler and A.J. They had great times four-wheeling and riding in the Colorado Rockies with the ATVs. Jerry and Corina loved camping. They came back to Iowa in the summer and camped at Corina’s niece and nephew, Donella and Steve Baucom’s. They had a lot of fun times. The greatest joys in life were his family, son, grandsons and great-grandsons. He got to meet both of his new great-grandsons, Connor and Landon, before he passed away.
Jerry, as everyone called him, had the nickname ‘Buford.’ To some he was Uncle Jerry and to other extended family members, he was affectionately called ‘Uncle Buford.’
Preceding him in death were his parents; five brothers, Don, Bob, Dode, Virgil and Jim, and two nephews, Brian Lawrence and David Lawrence.
Those left to mourn his passing include his wife, Corina, of the home; son, Mark and wife Penny; grandsons, Tyler and wife McKenzie, and great-grandson, Connor; grandson, A.J. and wife Becca and great-grandson, Landon; brother-in-law and wife, Jack and Sara Hoffman; sisters-in-law, Helen Lawrence, Carolyn Lawrence, Marvel Melvin and Sharon Groff, and many nieces and nephews. Also left is his little rat terrier, Sassy, his constant companion and protector.
Arrangements were by Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr.
Services were conducted at the Christian Church in Blockton on Monday, June 17, 2013 with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Musical selections included ‘Daddy’s Hands,’ ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘Love Without End, Amen,’ ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ and ‘Grandpa, Tell Me About the Good ‘Ole Days.’
Casket bearers were Tyler Lawrence, A.J. Lawrence, Paul Baucom, Curtis Baucom, Mike Golden and Harold Dye.
Honorary pallbearers included Steve Baucom, Sr., Steven Baucom, Jr., Jerry Kemery, David Nally and Merle Swank.
Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton.
