Gerald Arthur Lawrence

Jerry Lawrence, 83, passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2024, with his wife of 64 years by his side. He was born in Pittsburgh, Kansas, on August 5, 1940, to Floyd and Loretta (Stumfoll) Lawrence. His family moved to Victoria, Texas when he was an infant, and he lived there for the next 20 years. 

Jerry graduated from St. Joseph High School as part of the Class of 1958. While in high school, he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. After graduating, he met the love of his life, Shirley Shroyer, at Victoria College. They were married on January 9, 1960. Jerry and Shirley then moved to Gunnison, Colorado, where Jerry went to play college football for Western State. Their first daughter, Kimberly, was born while they lived there. They returned to Texas, and Jerry began his career in law enforcement by joining the Amarillo Police Department. While in Amarillo, their second daughter, Kara, was born. Jerry transitioned out of the police department and began working for Naval Intelligence. He found his career’s passion when he took a job with the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). He was with ATF for 26 years until he retired in 1997. 

Jerry had many passions in life and loved being outdoors. He could typically always be found deer hunting, bird hunting, fishing, or playing golf. He enjoyed rides in the golf cart and making regular trips up to Hearthstone’s Clubhouse for coffee and cherished time with friends. He also delighted in making people laugh and was famous for his crazy, yet hilarious, jokes that he could pull out of his hat at any time. His biggest blessings and treasures in life next to his wife and daughters were his three granddaughters, Jordan, Kirby, and Blaine. 

Jerry joins his parents, Floyd and Loretta, one brother, Edward, one sister, Barbara, and his oldest daughter, Kim, in Heaven along with his son-in-law, Howard, and countless friends. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, his daughter, Kara, his sister, Janice Wickliffe, his brother-in-law, Billy Wickliffe, and his granddaughters, their husbands, and his 7 great-grandchildren: Jordan, Ani, Sana, and Emmie Sen, Kirby, Zachary, Reese, Ty, and Cal Young, and Blaine, Joshua, Collins, and Clay Campbell.

A celebration of life and service of remembrance will be held at 1:00 in the afternoon on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Hearthstone Country Club, 7615 Ameswood Road, Houston, Texas, 77095. 

Jerry will be missed terribly by his loving family. For those who wish to remember and honor Jerry, play a round of golf, spend a day on the water fishing, go hunting, hug a loved one, tell a funny joke, or simply raise a toast to a good and loyal friend.