Fresno Funeral Chapel1136 A StFresno, CA

Curtis Dwight Lawrence August 6, 1934 - July 26, 2022 Fresno, California - The world lost the most beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend on July 26, 2022. Curtis was born the second of five children to Arlis and Dee Lawrence on August 6, 1934 in Marshall, Arkansas. After the second tornado displaced their family, they moved to California. Curtis attended Sanger High School before joining the US Navy. He was a proud patriot who served in the Korean War. He met the love of his live Helen, in Clovis and whisked her off to Las Vegas to marry her on July 7, 1954. Together Curtis and Helen had 4 children, Curtis Jr., Shannon, Gary and Mark. Curtis taught all of his children to LOVE baseball and especially the San Francisco Giants. He held season tickets for his family to all weekend home games in the late 1960s. His family spent many freezing summers cheering on the Giants at Candlestick Park while seeing some of the greatest players who ever played the game. Curtis was an extremely talented craftsman who worked in the Sheet Metal Industry for over 35 years retiring from New England Sheet Metal. He left his talented handy work on many local buildings including the Fresno Exhibit Hall and Convention Center, Fresno Community Hospital and Reedley College. During his years as a sheet metal worker Curtis began building houseboats and eventually started Lawrence Houseboats. Several of his masterpieces still remain on Pine Flat Lake. Because Curtis was the purest example of work ethic he began a second career in his retirement, a long haul truck driver. He figured he could earn money while seeing the country and even bring his bride Helen along for many adventures. Together they traveled thousands of miles enjoying the beauty of the country for over 10 years. Curtis was also passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ and participated in Evangelism Explosion at People's Church. He loved sharing the gospel with others and joyfully prayed with many over the years to accept Jesus as their personal savior. Once Curtis really retired, he traveled with his wife Helen to the many places his truck could not take them, They shared cruises to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. They met many friends along their travels due to their charismatic personalities and of course Curtis' colorful storytelling. Curtis spent the last year of his life at the Vineyards California Armenian Home. He loved it there and met so many wonderful people. He especially enjoyed the evening dinners with his new special friends. Curtis is preceded in death by his beloved wife Helen, son Curtis Jr. and his grandson, Mark Jr. He is survived by his children Shannon Bray and husband Jim, Gary Lawrence and wife Darla, Mark Lawrence and wife Lori, 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Lastly, it would be remise if we did not mention his daily routine of reading the obituaries (and yes if your were present he would read them aloud to you!) He often joked and said he read them to see if he was there. Well, Curtis you made it in the obituaries. Rest easy your family and friends love you and will forever miss you. Gravesite services will be held at Clovis Cemetery August 5, 2022 at 12:30.

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