Duane John Lawrence

1940 - 2022

Duane John Lawrence
December 23, 1940 - April 11, 2022
Modesto, California - Duane John Lawrence was born December 23, 1940, in Gustine, CA to Philbert and Dorothy Lawrence. He passed away at his home in Modesto, on April 11, 2022, at the age of 81 years, surrounded by his loving family.
Duane was the oldest of 4 children. He grew up working alongside his family on their dairy farm. Duane graduated from Gustine High School in 1959. Soon after, he joined the National Guard and served for 6 years. Around 1968, he moved to Modesto and pursued a career as a sheet metal worker, specializing in HVAC repair. He had a very strong work ethic and was known to be very precise. He found a lot of satisfaction in doing his best for his customers. In later years, he enjoyed researching and repairing power windmills and hit and miss engines. He looked forward each year to attending the Tulare Farm Show with friends.
On June 2, 1973, he married the love of his life, Tina Overdevest. This union was blessed with 3 daughters. The girls have fond memories of family trips to a friend's cabin in Strawberry, CA with stops at Pinecrest Lake each Summer. Duane liked to take Sunday drives in the country and often stopped to visit relatives or scenic spots along the way. He loved his family very much and enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Most recently the greatest desire of his heart was accomplished. Duane and Tina had the privilege of being baptized together in the Lord. This was of great importance to him, and he received great peace from it.
Duane is survived by his wife of 48 years; daughters, Laura (Phillip) Balsbaugh, Michelle (Craig) Flory, and Vanessa (Brendan) Kinzie; 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Also surviving, are his 2 brothers, Philbert Jr (Nancy) and Edwin (Carla); sister, Diane Bettencourt; sisters-in-law, Mary Jane St John, Gail Lawrence and brother-in-law, Robert (Pam) Overdevest. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Visitation will be held from 9:15 am to 10:00 am followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 19th at the Old German Baptist Church Modesto District, 2866 W. Rumble Rd in Modesto. Interment to follow at Wood Colony Cemetery, 3511 Dakota Ave. in Salida.