Obituary for Dale Lawrence

Dale Lawrence

(March 26, 1962 – January 29, 2016)

Dale A. Lawrence, 53, of Ponca City passed away on January 29, 2016. Dale was born on March 26, 1962 in Ponca City to Paul E. and Frances (Fox) Lawrence. He grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1980. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1987. Dale was active in Boy Scouts Troop 9 and Explorer Post 69 while in junior high and high school. He played football and enjoyed water skiing with Tom Mertz during the summer months.

On May 1, 1999, Dale married Denise Stracener in Ponca City. With this marriage, he became the proud father of Jodi, who was four at the time, and a year later, Emily was born. He was active in his children’s lives. He took them to church and was a living example of God’s love for them. More recently he had been helpful in supporting the Lady Wildcat Volleyball team and in helping his youngest daughter learn to drive. He enjoyed getting together with his family and his friends for birthday and holiday celebrations.

Dale owned his own business, The Laser Mill, for 13 years. Prior to that he worked at Conoco for a few years, did home inspections, and helped in his brother Neal’s remodeling business.

His passion was old motorcycles and cars – finding the next best deal was his favorite pastime. Several friends enjoyed working together every Monday night restoring and repairing old Superhawks and Honda Dreams just to name a few. He also enjoyed woodworking and creating things with his hands. Dale attended Pioneer Bible church for close to 25 years and served in many capacities; most recently he was a deacon and was the Awana game-time leader every Wednesday night. He was able to go on a Missions Trip about 6 years ago to the Fiji Islands to assist in an addition to the Fiji Bible College. He was always available to help with any project – he had a giving heart and serving hands. Dale also enjoyed numerous camping trips with family and friends. Dale was funny, made friends easily, and truly never met a stranger.

Dale is survived by his wife, Denise, and daughter, Emily, of the home, and daughter Jodi Schooley and husband Jake of Ponca City; his mother, Frances Lawrence, of Ponca City; brothers Byron Lawrence and wife Brenda of Dallas, TX; Keith Lawrence and wife Vickie of Ponca City; Neal Lawrence and wife Julie of Ponca City; sister, Donna Sodowsky and husband Rick of Norman, OK, and grandsons Landon and Kash Schooley of Ponca City. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his in-laws, Margie and Jim Beguin of Ponca City; brother-in-law Tony Stracener and his wife, Peggy; and brother-in-law Barry Stracener and his wife Tina, all of Ponca City.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Lawrence. Dale will be available for viewing at Trout Funeral Home on Monday, February 1, 2016 until 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday, February 2, 2016. Family will be receiving friends on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service for Dale will be held at First Baptist Church of Ponca City, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

Honorary casket bearers will be: Richard Williams, Chris Baldwin, Gerald Wynes, Adam Gertken, Tracy Daniel, Rick Thomas, John Lucas, Rusty Sober, Gary Brooks, Jeff Eubank, Gary Dorman, and Gil Torres.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pioneer Bible Church for the benefit of the Fiji Bible College or to the Ponca City Christian Academy.

Source: Trout Funeral Home