Gerald “Chic” Lawrence
May 23, 1956 – January 13, 2025
Gerald “Chic” Lawrence was born in Igloo, South Dakota on May 23, 1956, to Art and Venie (Gunville) Lawrence and was called home to his eternal rest on Monday, January 13, 2025. He passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, and was welcomed into heaven by his beloved mother, Venie, and a host of heavenly loved ones.
“Chic,” as he was affectionately known, received his nickname as a child from his father, Art, after the character “Chicken Hearted Chickasaurus” from The Ruff and Reddy Show. He was the fifth child in a family of eleven siblings: Candy, Ross, Rhonda, Frank, Tom, Wade, Lisa, Julie, Darla, and Kenny. Chic was known for being witty with an amazing sense of humor and he had the gift of hospitality, qualities that he carried throughout his life. He was loyal, logical, supportive, and loving, traits that made him a beloved figure among family and friends.
Chic attended Cheyenne Eagle Butte Boarding School until the 3rd grade. During the summers, he spent time on his grandparent’s ranch in White Horse, SD learning the cowboy ways. He completed his education at Rapid City High School. He furthered his education at Western Dakota Tech, where he earned a degree in Electronics. He later worked alongside his brother, Tom, building electrical systems, a career he continued until his passing.
Chic made his home with his mother, Venie, in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he lovingly cared for her until her passing in 2022. Their many Deadwood adventures together were treasured, and his deep love for her was evident to all who knew him. While Chic never married or had children of his own, he became a father figure and known as the cool uncle to his nieces and nephews, offering guidance, wisdom, and love throughout their lives. He led an independent life, yet he was always ready to lend support to those around him, offering advice and a listening ear.
Chic was deeply committed to his Christian faith, and his love for the Lord guided his actions. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, reading, listening to “old school” music, and, most of all, tinkering with tools. Known as a handyman, he always had the right tool for the job and was never shy about using his talents to help others. Whether it was teaching his nieces and nephews how to fish, cooking his famous Spanish rice and egg rolls for family gatherings, or fixing electrical gadgets, Chic was always there for those in need.
He was famous for his Irish goodbyes and his ability to make others feel special and worthy. Chic had an infectious smile and a hearty laugh, and his deep-rooted morals of family and love for Jesus were apparent in all his interactions. He was a shining example of unconditional love, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.
Chic is survived by his eight siblings Ross Lawrence, White Horse, SD, Frank (Jamie) Lawrence, Chamberlain, SD, Tom (Lori) Lawrence, Rapid City, SD, Wade (DeeAnn) Lawrence, Eagle Butte, SD, Lisa Rosenau, Rapid City, SD, Julie (Glen) Huggins, Sioux Falls, SD, Darla (Cliff) Zechiel, Rapid City, SD, Kenny Lawrence, Rapid City, SD, and one brother-in-law Bill Bauman, Delaware, OH.
He is also survived by 42 nieces and nephews, 62 great-nieces and nephews, 11 great-great-nieces and nephews, close friends, and numerous extended family members.
Chic was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lawrence and Alvina Lawrence; his sisters, Candace Bauman, Rhonda Weaver and niece Sandy Bauman; and many other family members, including his grandparents, Joe & Evelyn Gunville; great-grandparents, Alec & Elizabeth Gunville, and Buck & Andel Lawrence; aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.
Though his earthly journey has ended, Chic’s influence and spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew him. A special thank you to nephew John Lawrence who selflessly cared for his uncle Chic.
Honorary Casket bearers
Cercie Usher, Eddie Muhm, Gina Thompson, Jen Sully and Katie Harper, Carla Gell, Harmony and Lily Morrison, Kirby Oswald, Guy Davidson, Rena Harper, Michelle Gell, Verna Gell, and Mike Weaver. Stillwater hospice and all his friends, cousins, nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM, Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Rosary will begin at 6:30 PM at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City.
You may sign his online guestbook at www.blackhillsfuneralhome.com.
