Lawrence Gene Christian

LAWRENCE GENE CHRISTIAN was born October 14, 1946 to Alfreda Stephens in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was baptized in Ardmore before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada at age four, and then to Los Angeles, California. He remained in Los Angeles and attended public school until 1965 when he enlisted in the US Army. He completed his GED through the Army while going through training. He was stationed in Germany and then served in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, Lawrence returned to Los Angeles for a time, working as a machine operator. He later moved to Monroe, Louisiana where he worked as a long haul truck driver, but his true passion was carpentry and home renovation. He met the love of his life, Barbara Ellis while installing a ceiling fan for her in 1989. The couple married November 18, 1990 and worked together to raise a beautiful family. They moved from Monroe, to Dallas area, and then to Shreveport, Louisiana, before retiring and moving to Pipestone, Minnesota. Lawrence struggled with health issues, but was always positive and upbeat, working hard to make those around him feel love and laughter. On February 14, 2022, Lawrence passed away peacefully at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Lawrence had an infectious smile and passion for showing love and kindness to all he came in contact with. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people around him feel like family. He was very loving and charismatic and enjoyed serving as a deacon at various churches throughout his life. He was a man of strong faith and used that to serve his friends, family, and community. Lawrence was also a very gifted craftsman and enjoyed working with wood and on home repair projects. When he was able to find some free time, Lawrence loved a good game of Solitaire and would often be seen with his electronic game. He was a dedicated family man who took great care to ensure his wife and children knew they were deeply loved.

Lawrence is lovingly remembered by his wife, Barbara Christian of Pipestone; four children, Crystal McMurray of Pipestone, Marvin McMurray of Shreveport, Ursula Christian of Champaign, Illinois, and Scott (Kimberlee) McMurray of Shreveport; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Alfreda, his sister Melcine, and his brother Willy.