Patrick Duane Lawrence

Patrick Lawrence has passed away after a long struggle with his health. He passed away at Kaweah Delta Hospital, peacefully on March 2, 2024. Patrick began his life in a tiny cabin on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, near McIntosh, South Dakota, November 09, 1935, born to John Wesly Lawrence and Edna Elizabeth Trotter. According to family there was ice on the inside of the windows as it was the coldest night during that Winter. They welcomed his brother Terry before moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to live with his Grandparents. They enjoyed their early upbringing in Souix Falls with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. His family moved to California due to his father and brothers' severe asthma condition. The move began in 1942, moving first to Hollywood, then San Bernardino and eventually to Crestline for cleaner, fresher air. His father found work through the Works Progress Administration a program, set up by President Roosevelt to end the Great Depression. Patrick spent his childhood with the freedom of doing what he loved, riding horses, working in the horse stables, stream fishing and being a trail guide. He attended Crest Forest Elementary School, in Crestline, before having to be bussed down the mountain to his Junior high school, Sturgess, and then his high school Pacific High. He had an illustrious football career where he was named the most valuable player, known to all as "The Toe" in 1953 and graduating in 1954. After high school he worked a few odd jobs before being hired by Southern California Edison where he spent 34 years before retiring in 1990. In the summer of 1960, he met and married the "Love of his Life", Marion Elizabeth Smith. They became a blended family with Michael and Linda before welcoming three children together Kathleen, Janet and Patrick. Raising their family in Crestline until 1976. They moved through a transfer with Edison to Visalia, California. The family made many lifelong friends in Visalia before transferring back to Crestline in 1980. Pat enjoyed many years in Crestline before retiring in 1990 after 34 years with Edison. He and Marion moved to Depot Bay Oregon where he volunteered at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and his greatest joys were found in many years of agate hunting on the beautiful beaches. Pat always had a desire to go on a Mission, serving the church he loved so much and while in Oregon accepted a call to the Cove Fort Utah Mission. They spent 6 months enjoying a very fulfilling mission. After their mission they moved back to Oregon and spent many more years enjoying the beauty of the Oregon coast before moving again to Visalia. Pat enjoyed his final years with the love and support of his family. Patrick was preceded in death by; his parents Edna and John Lawrence, his brother Terry Lawrence, daughter Linda Wessel, son Patrick Lawrence, he was survived by; his Eternal Companion Marion Lawrence, son Michael Lawrence (Shelly), daughters, Kathleen Chancey (Terry), Janet Payne, Grandchildren; Troy, Jason, Emily, Michael, Daniel, Kari, Allison, Ryan, Joseph, Andrew, Tabitha, Tyler, Ciara, Great Grandchildren; Lonnie, Michael, Joshua, Kylee, Jenna, Jonathan, Caidon, Sylis, Maximus, Lincoln, Dylan, Madison, Colin, Kira, Keegan, Alina, Victor, Lily, Aria, Amelia, Memory, Xavian. Patrick will be remembered by all for his beautiful smile, his great sense of humor, devotion to his wife, and the love and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Friday, March 15, 2024 at 10:00 am, 650 N Lovers Lane, Visalia, CA 93292. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Patrick Duane Lawrence

November 9, 1935 - March 2, 2024