Roll Call Tribute

John Jay Lawrence 

September 29, 1956 - January 25, 2024 

John Jay Lawrence went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 25, 2024, after having survived two valiantly fought strokes. As a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather and friend, he was surrounded at the end by those he loved most in this world.

Born in Houston, TX on September 29, 1956, John was the eldest son of Carol and Stuart Lawrence. As the city of Houston began its sprawl northwest, John had the unique privilege of being in the first graduating class of Stratford High School in 1974, and then received his Chemical Engineering degree from Texas A&M University in 1979. To say that he was thereafter a proud Aggie would be a vast understatement. Following graduation, John pursued a career in the oil and gas industry, which led him to Midland. After several years working as an engineer for Oxy Permian, he formed a partnership with Raptor Resources which has lasted for 30 years.

Through the workings of a mutual friend, John, an Aggie, met the love of his life, Jean Kinsey, a Longhorn, on a blind date in 1982. School rivalries set aside, they were married on January 14, 1984, and together raised two sons, J. Jay and Bobby. John was happiest when involved in the lives of his boys, whether coaching youth sports, acting as a chaperone on one of many church youth trips, or hunting and fishing with them on long weekends. As empty nesters, John and Jean spent cherished time at their home in Sisterdale, TX, where the boys and their families would gather for holidays. John never met a stranger; he had friends all over. Before his health prevented travel, John and Jean were avid fans of Italy and beyond, creating many of their favorite memories on those trips.

John is preceded in death by his father, Stuart, and nephew Scott Kneese. He is survived by his mother, Carol Lawrence, of Kerrville, TX. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 40 years, Jean, of Midland, TX. He is also survived by his sons, John Jay Lawrence Jr. and wife Gianna of Smithville, TX, and Robert Stuart Taylor Lawrence of Knab, UT, and his beloved granddaughters, Collins and Hallie Lawrence. He is also survived by his brother, David Lawrence Jr. and wife Elisabeth of Dripping Springs, TX, sister, Linda Hott and husband Russell of Hunt, TX, and brother-in-law, Robert Kinsey of Palm Desert, CA.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Midland, TX.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor John’s memory can be made to Dr. Monica Gutierrez to benefit Rehabilitation Medicine at UT Health San Antonio; UT Health San Antonio Office of Institutional Advancement, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7835, San Antonio, TX 78229; or to First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 W. Texas Ave, Midland, TX, 79701; or to Mid City Little League-Midland, PO Box 5804 Midland, TX 79704.