Lawrence Edward Daniel was born in Henderson, Kentucky on September 13, 1943 to the late James William Daniel and Rosa Floyd Smith. He departed this life in Austin, Texas on March 30, 2022 at the age of seventy-eight.
Lawrence was a graduate of Douglass High School and Kentucky State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education and Administration in 1966. He joined State Farm Insurance on December 29, 1966 at the Indiana Regional Office as an Underwriter in the Fire Company. Throughout his 37-year career with State Farm, he was well respected for his fairness. Lawrence recognized employees’ unique talents and encouraged them to succeed. He endured challenges of his own, with the hope of paving the way and opening doors for those that came behind him.
In elementary school, Lawrence had his eye on one special little pig-tailed girl. His persistence in catching her attention in elementary and middle school finally paid off. They became high school sweethearts and continued dating after graduation. Lawrence married Anna, the love of his life and soul mate, on August 27, 1966. They started their family in Bloomington, Illinois where their children Pamela and Michael were born. In 1974, they made the decision to move to Austin, Texas where they raised their family and built their life.
Lawrence found a partner who shared similar passions which included traveling, attending Texas A&M football games, spending time with their immediate and extended families and doting on their granddaughters.
Lawrence had a passion for cooking, gardening, all things football, and entertaining. He was the consummate party planner and host who threw epic Christmas, Kentucky Derby, and summer parties. The food was always top notch with many guests requesting that Chef Lare’ make his legendary Chess pie. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he was known for ensuring thoughtful surprises for everyone on Christmas morning.
Lawrence was a member of Olivet Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for over 36 years. He loved his church family and they adored him. His love of God and his strong faith helped sustain him as he endured the challenges of his health issues.
Lawrence leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife of 55 years, Anna Daniel; one daughter, Pamela Daniel; one son, Michael Daniel (Rachelle); two granddaughters, Jelani Daniel and Malia Daniel (White Settlement, TX); one great grandson, Rigel; one sister, Idella Ray of Henderson, KY; two sister-in-laws, Barbara Daniel of Indianapolis, IN and Nora Daniel of Las Vegas, NV; one brother-in-law, B.Y. Norris, Jr. of Henderson, KY ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins , and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the church home that meant so much to him, Olivet Baptist Church. Memorial donations can be sent to 1179 San Bernard St, Austin, TX 78702 or made online at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/OlivetBaptistChurch.
A visitation for Lawrence will be held Friday, April 8, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, Pflugerville, Texas. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 9, 2022, 11:00 AM at Olivet Baptist Church, 1179 San Bernard St., Austin, Texas 78702. A committal will follow the service at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, Pflugerville, Texas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Daniel family.
