Daniel Wesley Lawrence

Daniel Wesley Lawrence (D.W.) passed away Friday, May 12, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dan was born February 27, 1929, in Gruver, Texas, to his beloved parents, Franklin and Flotilla Lawrence, the second of seven siblings. Dan graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1947 and attended New Mexico State University before his enlistment in the USAF to serve during the Korean War. After his discharge, Dan returned to New Mexico and worked at different State Parks as Area Supervisor from 1962 thru 1984. He began new career in real estate working as a Broker for Sun Mountain Realty from 1984 thru 1992. After a brief stint with retirement, Dan said he needed to be out and working with people, so he went to work as manager of a simulcast horse racing site until his full retirement in 2004. Dan enjoyed all outdoor activities especially fishing, and boating (in 1962, he built a well-appointed houseboat that is still sailing). He loved to cook and to grow roses. He found good in everyone and would never turn down anyone that needed help. His friendliness, sense of humor and quick wit were monumental and everywhere he went, and even as sick as he was, he always managed to make others laugh and smile. He was an inspiration to many. Dan met and married Noreen Sylvia Segar in Tampa Bay, Florida in 1951. They were married for 51 years at the time of her death, October 2, 2000. Dan married Antonia Angelica Duran in 2016. Dan was preceded in death by his first wife, Noreen Sylvia Lawrence; parents, Frank and Flo Lawrence; two sisters and their husbands, Eula Mae and Otis Bryan Chappell; Cecile and Paul Kartas; nephews, Michael Karta and Thomas Rolison. Dan is survived by his wife, Antonia, and children, Erick, Xavier, Alexis and Trinity; brother, Frank Lawrence, Jr.; sisters: Flo (Edison) Rolison; Gloria (Dave) Brazda; Carole Brito (Bruce Besser); brother-in-law, Raymond Gallegos, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. The family of Dan Lawrence wishes to thank everyone for their kindness, support and prayers. A special thank you to Dr. Kingston and nurses of Hospice Compassus.