Gary Emerson Lawrence, 85, of Milan, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his home.
Gary was born May 21, 1940, South of Milan, to Leland and Irene (Gramling) Lawrence. He grew up in Milan, graduating from Milan High School in 1958. Gary then joined the United States Army, serving from 1963 to 1965. In 1966, Gary married Clarice Rae (Frazier) Lawrence and moved to Kansas City where he worked at Hallmark Cards for a few years, then was a route truck driver. In 1979, they moved back to Milan, and he went to work at MODOT, retiring after 25 years.
Gary is survived by two children, Todd Lawrence(Traci) of Kirksville, Missouri, Denise Austin and husband Rick of Edmond, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Ethan and Evan Lawrence, Taylor (Robbie) Argo and Kate Austin; step grandchildren, Baylea (Nick) Grant, Tyler Turner; step great-grandchildren, Rylea Clay, Birklee Speiser, Hunter Grant, and Jaxxon Turner; brother, Phillip(Deloris) Lawrence of Milan; sister, Beverly (Vernon) Search of Milan and sister-in-law, Mary Frazier of Pollock, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by wife, Clarice in 2022; his parents; four brothers-in-law, Ronald Gene Frazier, Robert Frazier, Laverne McNeece, and Duane Pauley; and two sisters-in-law, Sharon McNeece and Betty Pauley.
Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tinkering with things. He loved gardening and farming. Gary also liked watching westerns and listening to old country music. He had a love for walking; every day he would walk at least 6 miles.
A funeral service for Gary will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan. Burial will follow with Military Rites at Deep Springs Cemetery, Southeast of Milan. A visitation is scheduled one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Deep Springs Cemetery.