ROGER D. LAWRENCE 1947 – 2025
Roger Dale Lawrence, 78, of Navasota, passed away Friday, January 31, at CHI St Joseph College Station Medical Center surrounded by his family and close friends.
A visitation took place Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Christ Our Light Catholic Church from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. with a vigil service following at 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Our Light with the Reverend Elias Lopez presiding. Interment will be at the National Cemetery in Houston at a later date.
Serving as pallbearers were Kevin Lawrence, Charlie Quebe, Cameron Quebe, Carson Quebe, Jason Katkoski and Art Reyes.
Roger was born in Crockett, Texas to Thomas Ellis Lawrence and Juanita Phillips. He grew up in Huntsville where he graduated from Huntsville High School and Sam Houston State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a minor in Business. There he was also in the ROTC program.
Roger then joined the Army’s First Calvary Division and after pilot school he served in Vietnam flying the Cobra helicopter until his honorable discharge in 1971. He started his banking career around 1973 in Galveston then went to Texas A&M to get his master’s degree in business administration graduating in 1975 and then embarked on his banking career. He would often go to Sam Houston and to Texas A&M to teach business classes.
Roger was an avid supporter of education and helped many young people afford the ability to attend college. After retirement, he lived in Kerrville and in 2019 he made Navasota his home where he soon became involved with the city and served on the Airport Advisory Committee and Economic Development Corporation. He also served on the Building Committee as a member of Christ Our Light Catholic Church.
Being around Roger was always fun and filled with lots of laughter. He loved telling stories and cracking jokes. His laughter was infectious and brought happiness to everyone around him. He had a saying for everything and was always inventing gadgets to make his life easier. Roger was a brilliant businessman and was always looking for the next project to undertake. He was a hard worker and always taking people under his wing to help and teach. He inspired people all around him to get their education and follow their dreams. When work was done Roger loved taking long naps, watching movies, playing games, riding motorcycles, traveling and spending time with friends and family. He was always there when you needed something. He gave without expecting anything in return. His big laugh, warm heart, and funny stories will always be a cherished memory.
Roger was preceded in death by brothers Hubert and Wayne and sister Linda Reynolds and his parents.
He is survived by his daughter Kelly and husband Charlie Quebe and his son Kevin Lawrence, and grandchildren Cameron, Kayden and Carson Quebe, all of Dickinson and sister Wanda Spradlin of Huntsville and his best friend and companion Carolynn Katkoski of Navasota and her children Kim Angel of Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, Jason Katkoski of Navasota and grandchildren Peyton and husband Ryan Fields of Walton, KY., Grace [JK1] and husband Rob Reuther of Naples, Florida and Callan Katkoski of Navasota, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives, a great number of friends and his beloved cat, Cali.
In lieu of usual remembrances the family suggests memorials in Roger's name to Huntsville High School Ex-Student Association Scholarship Fund, HHSESA, PO Box 8355, Huntsville, TX 77340-8355 or a favorite charity that supports veterans.