Grandpa Dave

David Norton Lawrence Sr.

1929-2013

Dave Lawrence passed away peacefully on Jan. 14 at the age of 83 in Grantsville following a short illness. He was born on March 21, 1929 to Elbert and Goldie Judd Lawrence in Reno, Nev. He was 3 years old when the family moved back to Grantsville where he lived the rest of his life.

Dave was a veteran of the Korean War who served in the United States Army as a tank mechanic. While on leave he married his sweetheart Lois Pike on June 2, 1952. They were lifelong companions for 58 years until her death on Oct. 12, 2010. They were very proud of their three sons: Dave, Matt and Dan. 

Dave owned and operated Lawrence’s Texaco his entire adult life. He also farmed and ranched with his brother Bert for close to 60 years. He was known for his ability as a stockman and was selected as the Tooele County Cattleman of the Year in 2001. He was a fixture of Grantsville and touched the lives of countless people for good. He was known for his humor and wisdom. He was a good listener and a friend to all. He quietly helped many widows and people who were down on their luck. He was often the first person people would meet when they moved to town. 

Dave was a member of the Grantsville Lions Club, Sons of the Utah Pioneers, the Tooele County Cattleman’s Association, served on the board of the North Willow Irrigation Company when the Grantsville Reservoir was built, and served on the Ophir City Planning and Zoning Board. 

Every summer for 30 years Dave and Lois attended the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City. They always loved to spend time with their family at their cabin in Ophir. He is survived by his sons Dave, Matt (Lori) and Dan (Denise), nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, his brother Bert and sister Betty Drake. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister, Alice Wills. 

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Diamond Jane’s Assisted Living Center where Dave made his home for the last 18 months. Their love and concern for Dave’s every need will never be forgotten. The funeral service will be held on Jan. 19 at 81 N. Church Street in Grantsville at 1 p.m. Viewings will be held at the chapel on Jan. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. and January 19 from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow the services in the Grantsville City Cemetery. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 277-0050.

Read more: Tooele Transcript Bulletin - David Norton Lawrence Sr