Richard “Rick” C. Lawrence, age 78, of Liberty, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Liberty.
Richard was born on Oct. 4, 1946, in Banana River, Florida, to the late William Joshua and Dorothy Hahn Lawrence. A proud veteran and dedicated public servant, Richard served in the United States Air Force for six years, retiring in April 1972. Following his military service, he continued to serve his community as a peace officer for the State of Texas and later as a reserve officer for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. He retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 2011, one of many roles he fulfilled during his lifetime.
A life member of the VFW Post 5621 in Liberty and a four-year member of the American Legion Post 0512 in Dayton, Richard was passionate about supporting fellow veterans and staying active in his community.
Richard was known for his industrious spirit—always moving, always building or fixing something. He loved his yard work, sitting on his porch swing, and had a fondness for gadgets, especially those from Publishers Clearing House, where he always hoped to win big. He enjoyed his TV time, particularly watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer—though that may have been more for Buffy herself than the storyline. He had a deep love for animals, especially his dogs, and was never without their company.
In his younger years, Richard loved dancing and even took Tae Kwon Do classes where he earned his blackbelt. A natural jokester with a dark sense of humor, he was known for being flirty, friendly, and fiercely devoted to his loved ones—always putting others before himself. He was a hard worker and a man who lived life fully and generously. And of course, he had a well-known infatuation with hot dogs.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Elizabeth Ann Lawrence and William “Bill” Joshua Lawrence, Jr.; his grandson, Adam James Browning; and his beloved wife, Mary Lu Lawrence.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Cari Lynn Lawrence and partner Daniel Rebel, Mike Vann, and Richard C. Lawrence IV and wife Alison; his grandchildren, Austin Browning, Paige Lang and husband Zachary, Hunter Vann and wife Kaylee, Lucas Hughes and wife Marsha, Caitlin Dean and husband Casey, and Nolan Lawrence; his great-grandchildren, Colt Vann, Walker Hughes, Winston Hughes, and baby girl Vann, who is expected to arrive in September 2025. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy “Dee” Lea; nieces and nephews, Karen Dunnigan and husband Joe, Lisa Minnick and husband Ken, Laura Miller and husband Bo, and Bill Lawrence III and wife Misti Hogberg; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the chapel of Allison Funeral Service, 1101 N. Travis St., Liberty, Texas 77575. A funeral service celebrating Richard’s life will follow at 4:00 p.m., with Bryant Perkins officiating.
Richard’s legacy of service, humor, and heart will live on in all those who knew and loved him.
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