On Friday, June 25, 2021, Carl James Lawrence, devoted husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Porter Lawrence and his mother, Naomi Pearl (Valley) Lawrence. He is survived by the love of his life, and wife of 73 years, Margie Dean (Kidwell) Lawrence, a daughter, Debbe Lawrence Bayouth (Eddie) of Sapulpa, and two sons, Carl J Lawrence, Jr "Larry" (Sharon) and David William Lawrence, both of Tulsa. He has 5 grandchildren, Monica Lima (Matt), Brian Bayouth (Ashley), Brent Bayouth (Kelly), Ben Lawrence (Barbara), and Tim Lawrence (Emily). He has a dozen great grandchildren.

He was born at the home of his father's parents in Miami, Oklahoma on May 8, 1926. He went to elementary school in Miami, Junior High in Tulsa, and graduated High School from Miami. He joined the Marine Corps after graduation and served in World War II as a bugler aboard the U. S. S. Mount Vernon. He worked for the newspaper 5 days a week while taking classes at the University of Tulsa. He received a degree in Journalism from TU.

He started his professional career as a reporter for the Tulsa World in 1947. He was police reporter for several years and later became business editor. He joined the Oil & Gas Journal in 1953. He had several positions with them, including West Coast Editor, leading to Managing Editor and finally Vice President of the parent company. He retired in 1992. He wasn't good at being retired so he worked as a consultant for several years.

He wrote the Prayer Letter for Parkview Baptist Church once he became truly retired.
He was proud to be a member of The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. He participated in the Annual General Council meetings for several decades.

The following is a quote he wrote that he would like to be remembered for:

"It's important to have the assurance that when the time comes to leave this earth that I will be going to heaven. That is such an important decision - accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior - that all the other decisions I've made in life pale in comparison. I like the scripture in Hebrews 12:23 that says a believer is "registered in heaven." So, I've got a place in heaven waiting for me and if I get there first I'll be waiting for the remainder of the family to join me. We can keep on enjoying one another forever and forever." - Carl J. Lawrence, Sr. July 31, 2000

There will a service for him on July 1, 2021 at Moore Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st, Tulsa, OK at 10:00 am. The service will be live streamed from the Chapel and will be available for viewing later for 45 days.

Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233