Mel was born on October 27, 1943 in Aransas Pass, Texas to Ernest Kade Lawrence and Geneva Ottie Norsworrhy Lawrence. His family relocated to Victoria, Texas when he was very young. At the young age of 20, Mel met the love of his life, Judy, while playing volleyball with the Church of Christ youth group. Judy was every bit as feisty as Mel was laid back, but the two of them formed a bond that just worked. He married Judy just a few short months after their first date. The couple eventually settled in Victoria, and Mel accepted a job in Point Comfort, Texas–eventually moving to a pipefitter position at ALCOA. Though his positions changed over the years, he remained at the plant until he retired after 34 years of service.
Throughout his life, Mel was an avid sports fan, hunter, fisher, jerky maker, nature lover, bird watcher, pecan picker upper, genealogy buff, storyteller, meat eater and barbecuer, but most of all, he was a family man. He was the dedicated father of two girls. He did everything with and for them – teaching them to shoot, fish, appreciate nature, drive, cook, and more. His love for them was immeasurable, and being a father brought him great joy. When his grandchildren arrived, he could not have been more proud. He went to every ball game, took them all camping, fishing, hunting and bowling, picked them up from school and kept them during most breaks. He was a devoted grandfather, and his grandchildren adored him. In addition to the admiration he received from his immediate family, Mel was known as the favorite uncle to many in his family and Judy’s.
Mel was preceded in death by his wife and parents; grandson Trenton Knetig; brothers, Clayton Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, Dennis Lawrence and Russel Lawrence; sisters Bessie Baker and Wanda Williams.
Left behind to remember Mel are his loving daughters, Judith Barefield and Laura Knetig (Robert); grandchildren, Caitlyn Barefield, Zane Barefield (Chelse Sumner) and Mia Lenamon (Morgan); great-granddaughter, Gray Barefield; brothers Eugene Lawrence and Douglas Lawrence; and numerous extended family members.
Pallbearers are Zane Barefield, Robert Knetig, Morgan Lenamon, Kade Spencer, Jacob Ponton and David Garza.
Services will be held at Rosewood Funeral Chapel with visitation on Thursday, June 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and funeral on Friday, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
