Douglas George Lawrence

1956 - 2017

Douglas George Lawrence obituary, 1956-2017

Douglas Lawrence Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 11, 2017.

Douglas George Lawrence
Batavia, Illinois

Douglas George Lawrence, 60, passed away unexpectedly May 8, 2017. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017 at McLaren's Chapel in West Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Saturday until service time at McLaren's.

Doug was born July 5, 1956 in Des Moines to George A. and Jacqueline (Brady) Lawrence. He grew up in Des Moines but moved to Ohio as a teenager. After high school, because his heart was always in Iowa, he moved back to attend Iowa State University. Upon graduation from ISU he began his career as a civil engineer for Union 76. He excelled in his career and retired as Business Manager of Hydrocarbon Solvents with Citgo Petroleum in Chicago, IL.

Doug loved his family first and foremost. He always wanted the very best for them and showed it through his generosity and compassion. In his free time he enjoyed reading for his own enlightenment, taking long walks, traveling, watching rugby matches, live theater, and photography. Doug was able to carry on a friendly conversation on almost any topic with ease. He enriched the lives of many with his kindness.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Star; beloved daughter, Catie; sister, Annette (Terry) Robson; step-mother, Mary K. Lawrence; sister-in-law, Gail Lawrence; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David B. Lawrence; sister, Sarah A. Lawrence; and his dear dog, Lily.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Small Companion Animal Fund at Iowa State.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Sponsored by McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary.

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Not sure what to say?

June 12, 2017

Star,
Sometimes there are no words...it's just so hard to imagine what you are going through with Doug's sudden untimely passing. Who knew how life could change so drastically in the blink of an eye. We will always remember Doug for his wonderful sense of humor and big heart. There really aren't words to tell you how very sad we are, but please know we lift you and Catie in light and love and wish you peace and comfort.

Love, Craig and Cheryl Hart

June 9, 2017

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. A comforting scripture of the bible is Isaiah 57:12. I have needed this many times. May the Lord bless you and keep you in his loving care.

Our Love,
Al and Rosetta Dunn

June 9, 2017

Dearest Star and Catie,

Our hearts and thoughts are with you at this time. Words seem futile but memories are special. Although we don't see each other often it doesn't mean you're not in our memory banks. What fun we had with you and Doug in Pittsburgh! Never forgotten!

Love,
Pat and Dan Szpekowski

June 9, 2017

Star and Catie,

We were so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Doug.

We always enjoyed his visits with us and looked forward to seeing him. Our hearts go out to you and Catie. May you find strength in your memories and love of family and friends. You all are in our prayers.

Dr. John C. Koechley
and Staff

June 9, 2017

Dear Star and Catie,

May I first tell you how sad I was to hear from Mary K. about Doug. He was a "Lawrence". Always very "personable" and proud to talk of his family! He had every reason to. The way you all pull together and are there for one another, when needed...is amazing. He will be missed for sure. Glad "I" knew him...through George and Mary K.

Sincerely,
Pam and Phil Zivich

June 9, 2017

Dear Star and Catie,

Derek and I were saddened to hear about Doug's passing. He was such a kind and gentle presence. I know your hearts are heavy. Please find comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of your friends.

Love, Karen Bex

June 9, 2017

Dear Star, Catie and Family,

Words can't express our sorrow for you in losing Doug! When we picture him, we see his big smile and feel the friendliness he had for everyone. May you always feel his love in your hearts and hold him close in many wonderful memories. We'll keep you in our prayers.

In sympathy and love,
John and Laura Berger

June 9, 2017

Star and Catie,

One never knows what the new day will bring. We are so sad about Doug's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Remember all the good memories you shared. That will help you get through this sad time.
Our prayers are with you.

Jill and Doug Thompson

June 9, 2017

Dear Star and Catie,

Since 2012, I have worked in the Petrochemicals group for CITGO. Though I was in Houston, and Doug was in Rolling Meadows, we saw each other in San Antonio at our annual industry conference, in Wyoming at our annual customer outing, and once or twice a year when Doug would make it down to Houston. However, we spoke much more often. I had to present updates on Doug's business to our leadership in Houston, so I was on the phone with him fairly routinely.

Doug had a bit of a farming heritage, and my parents were farmers, so we had some of that in common. We also shared a love for Big 12 sports and talked a lot of Iowa State football (I think Doug liked me a bit more when he learned I had a family member who once placed for Iowa State!) If my Oklahoma State squad happened to beat ISU, he would happily remind me that his Cyclones knocked my alma mater out of national championship contention in 2011.

At the Wyoming customer outings, Doug and I, along with Bill Struebing, shared a three-bedroom cabin. The cabin had these thin interior walls that seemed to amplify sound rather than suppress it. Doug and I would always turn in early, and Struebing would gripe incessantly the next morning that by the time he got to bed, those walls were reverberating from what sounded like the harmonic snores of slumbering walruses. Ha!

The point is that, over the course of five years, we developed a collegial friendship, and the unexpected news about Doug hit me hard. Hit all of us in Petrochemicals hard.

I wish I were gifted with words of solace and wisdom. Unfortunately, what I have instead is a feeling of frustration. Doug's passing was particularly upsetting...not just that it happened but that it happened so soon. I remember how excited Doug was about the prospect of retirement. I remember he sent me the belt holster for his Blackberry phone, saying "all yours, I don't need it anymore", which made me laugh. I just wish that he had been allowed more time. More time with you both, more time to cheer on his Cyclones, and more time to enjoy the well-earned pleasures of retirement.

You have my sympathy and the sympathy of all of us at CITGO who knew Doug. Ultimately, I pray that happy memories will overwhelm the hurt.

Sincere condolences and God bless,
Braden McElroy

June 8, 2017

Mo Peterson

Catie,
I am devastated for you. Your father was a good man and I always enjoyed our banter. You guys loved each other so much. The pain of losing someone you love deeply will never go away, but with time it doesn't hurt as bad. I am here for you for all of the time in between.

June 8, 2017

Annie Kraft

Catie,
Words cannot express how sad and sorry I am about you Dad. He was an incredible man and he cherished you so much. I'm thinking about you and sending so much love.

June 8, 2017

Catie, We had the privilege of meeting your Dad on several occasions. We could see the love he had for you and your Mom. Our hearts are with you, and we pray that God's grace will sustain you through this heartbreaking time.
Love, Sharon and Scott Thornton

June 7, 2017

Diane Quig

Most of my insites into the wonderments of Doug were through you Star at our Wednesday catch up mini series get together.
Doug's input via his ipad searches lended historical enrichment to our viewings.
His quip findings from social media also added breadth to the characters portrayed.
The man was a marvel with the depth of his interests.
Doug ingratiated me with volumes of continential photographs.
Trips taken by the family spoke of his nurturing the family bond, knowledge of our world and the means to navigate through it.
The humor still makes me giggle. One liners that were impishly touted.
Such a diverse man.
Such a caring man.
Such a loss.
Fondly & lovingly,

June 5, 2017

Star, my heart goes out to you and Catie. I am so sad and sorry to hear this. I am thinking of you both....as I know you will, love and support each other and find strength in all that you have shared together.

Much love,
Peg Lindblade

June 5, 2017

Star,

I am deeply saddened by the news of Doug's passing. I was so looking forward to your visit this Fall. Doug impressed me by how much he cared for his family, especially you and Catie. He wanted the very best for you. He helped me out during a very rough spot in my career, and for that I will always be grateful. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

James Bruce

June 5, 2017

To the Family of Douglas Lawrence,

As long-time customers (and friends) in our business relationship with Citgo, at our company Yenkin Majestic in Columbus, Ohio each of us who had known and worked with Doug are deeply saddened over your loss by his unexpected passing.

Besides the years of his work for Citgo, I can say that with his wide interest in the larger world, and his knowledge of many pursuits, plus mutual familiarity with the predecessor companies, those provided lots of opportunity in personal friendship to go beyond the ordinary matters of product or services.

Doug always expressed great pride in his family, starting at home and extending upward to his father, and into the next generation's career. I'm sure his warmth and spirit will be sorely missed and we send our deep condolences to your entire family.

Most Sincerely,
Merom Brachman

June 5, 2017

Star and Catie,

I work at the Refinery and knew your husband/father for many years. For about 20 of those years I was directly responsible for the Refinery area that produced the products Doug was so good at selling. I always enjoyed talking with Doug. Many times when we talked it was about some kind of issue of us at the Refinery either not making enough of a certain product or not making it with high enough quality. Doug was always understanding and I always felt he had trust in us that we were doing all we could to rectify the problem.

I was, of course, shocked when I heard about Doug's passing. I believe Doug is a year or two younger than me. It really makes one think. It is such a shame you did not have longer with Doug in this phase of your lives.

The last time I saw Doug he was in our plant visiting and saying goodbyes to the various people he knew. I talked with him for a few minutes, mostly congratulating him on retiring, wishing him well and telling him to enjoy retirement. It was about lunch time and I wanted to take Doug to lunch but was really up to my ears with issues so I gave him and Jeff Hawthorne some money so I could feel like I did something for this man I had great respect for and had worked with so long.

So they went to lunch and when I saw Jeff later he told me they both enjoyed it. Then maybe a day or two later I got a note from Doug, always the thoughtful one, and I want to share it with you.

FROM: Lawrence, Douglas G (Doug)
SENT: Wednesday, November 16, 2016
TO: Siron, Mike
SUBJECT: Thank you for lunch

I want to give you a big thanks for buying me lunch yesterday. It was great having it with your surrogate Mr. Hawthorne.

Thank you for the kind thought and the pleasure of working with you for nearly 20 years. Your humor and pleasant demeanor have made working together an enjoyable experience.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Doug

God Bless you both as you make your way through the grieving process. Keep your memories of being with your husband/father alive.

Mike Siron

June 5, 2017

Star,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Doug and I became more than business partners. He was indeed someone that was a friend.

Many times our phone conversations were about family and little about business. He was very proud of both you and your daughter.

I hope you find peace in knowing that Doug was well respected and will be missed.

A Memphis friend,
Mike Walker

June 5, 2017

Dear Star,

Just wanted to drop you a note. So sorry to hear about Doug. He was one of the good "Guys". Have known and worked with Doug for over 20 years. Was lucky to see him in November here in Memphis before he retired. Will always value his friendship and support. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carl Carlson

June 5, 2017

Star, Catie-

So sorry for your loss of your husband, friend and father. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

JR and Mary Ellen Phillips

June 5, 2017

Dear Star and Catie,

Everyone at Radchem Products felt the shock when Doug passed away unexpectedly. Many of us had a long relationship with him dating back over 20 years. He always spoke so kindly of both of you and I know how much he cherished his family. Our heart goes out to you with deepest sympathy. May God ease your pain.

"He will be missed greatly!"
I will miss his laugh!

Bill and Kathy Radostits

June 5, 2017

Dear Star and Catie,

We can't imagine what you must be feeling, but we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We worked with Doug for many years, especially Phil and always enjoyed spending time with him. He was such a wonderful, kind and generous person. We were happy to call him our friend and will certainly miss him. Our heartfelt condolences and love to you both.

Phil and Gail Reedy

June 5, 2017

Dear Star and Catie,

We at CITGO are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Doug. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

Doug and I both worked for Karl Schmidt and so I was able to spend time and get to know him. We had fun times and laughed a lot. It was a privilege to be in his company and I learned a great deal from him.

While words will not ease the pain, please know that Doug was loved and admired here at CITGO. I hope that time heals the pain and the thoughts of Doug bring only smiles.

Condolences,
Philip Thompson

May 25, 2017

Coworker

Kathy McGovern

Star and Catie,
I am so very sorry to hear about Doug's passing. It is very hard to express my sadness at this loss. Doug was a part of my life for over 30 years. Starting at Unocal, then Uno-Ven and finally Citgo. He retired to spend time with his family, which he adored, so I am sorry that you do not get that time with him. We had great conversations about our families over the years, clearly he loved and was proud of his. I am so very sorry for your loss. He is very much missed.

May 22, 2017

Jack Day

Dear Star and Catie,

Doug was a great friend and a true gentleman. He always had time for other people. I worked with him as an engineer at Unocal.
One of my best memories of Doug was spending some time in the Bahamas with Doug and his father back in the 80's. I was also at your wedding, Star, and remember it to this day.
Doug yelling "STELLA" like Marlon Brando was great. I am so sorry for your loss.

With all respects,

Jack Day

May 12, 2017

Susan Hastings

Star and Catie, what a shock, and so sorry for your loss. l still remember your beautiful wedding day. You are both in my prayers. I would love to talk with you if I can offer you any comfort. Take care of each other, forward me your cell phone number if I can be of any service to you. Love and prayers, dear friend, Susan .

May 12, 2017

Dana Bielic

Dear Star Anne, Catie, and family. I was shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. You will always be family. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Love always, Dana Bielic

May 12, 2017

Debbie Pransky

I worked for Doug 13 years at Citgo but knew him for many years at Unocal. I will always be grateful to him for asking me to work for him when Unoven was sold.. I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how hard this is. He loved his family & loved his working career. He was such a nice man and very funny. He will be missed. Praying for all of you. Debbie (and Bill) Pransky

May 12, 2017

Barb & Jim Foster

Doug was a favorite friend of ours. Working with him at Unocal in Schaumburg was always a fun filled adventure. His contagious laugh and ready smile will be missed.


Barb and Jim Foster

May 12, 2017

Joanna Pawlowska

We all are very sorry to hear of Doug's passing. Our sincere sympathies to his family and friends.

Purchasing Team from Polynt Composites.

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Memorial Events
for Douglas Lawrence

May

13

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary

801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265

May

13

Funeral service

11:30 a.m.

McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary

801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265

May

13

Burial

Resthaven Cemetery

IA

Funeral services provided by:

McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary

801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265

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