Gerald “Chic” Lawrence was born in Igloo on May 23, 1956 to Art and Venie (Gunville) Lawrence and was called home to his eternal rest on Monday, January 13, 2025.
“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 grandparents’ ranch in White Horse 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 where May 23, 1956 – January 13, 2025
he lovingly cared for her until her passing in 2022. 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.
Chic was committed to his Christian faith. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, reading, listening to “old school” music, and, most of all, tinkering with tools. 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.
Chic is survived by his eight siblings: Ross Lawrence of White Horse, Frank (Jamie) Lawrence of Chamberlain, Tom (Lori) Lawrence of Rapid City, Wade (DeeAnn) Lawrence of Eagle Butte, Lisa Rosenau of Rapid City, Julie (Glen) Huggins of Sioux Falls, and Darla (Cliff) Zechiel and Kenny Lawrence of Rapid City; and brother-in-law Bill Bauman of 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 and Rhonda Weaver; niece Sandy Bauman; and many other family members, including his grandparents, Joe and Evelyn Gunville; great-grandparents, Alec and Elizabeth Gunville and Buck and Andel Lawrence; aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.
Services were held at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, January 16 and burial immediately followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City.