Aug. 10, 1932-July 3, 2024
Raynor Everett Lawrence, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family on July 3, 2024.
Born on Aug. 10, 1932, in Tooele, Utah, Raynor moved to Heber City at age 4. Growing up, he worked in the family greenhouse and hunted to provide food for his family and others during the challenging times after the Great Depression. One memorable day he brought back five deer feeding many families.
Raynor attended Wasatch High School and worked in the mines before enrolling at BYU and joining the Navy Reserves. After leaving the Navy Reserves, he was drafted into the service one month later during the Korean War. Stationed in France, he served as a duty driver and later managed a 72-passenger bus, transporting dependents to and from school.
Raynor wasn’t very religious in his younger years and rarely attended church as his parents were not active in their faith. A pivotal moment in Raynor’s life was when his brother John fell seriously ill. Raynor prayed for his brother’s recovery, promising to serve God faithfully; a promise he kept throughout his life. At age 24, he served a mission in Canada, developing a deep love for the people and a strong commitment to his faith.
Raynor met Lois Luker on a blind date where he took her boating to “find out if she was cute”. They later married on Feb. 9, 1962, in the Salt Lake City Temple. He had a passion for the outdoors and excelled in activities like snowmobiling, skiing, chariot racing, four-wheeling, and camping, always involving his family in his adventures. He used to say he was built for speed.
Raynor loved bringing people together all his life. His biggest pride was his family and the relationships he built. He used to say he’d kick a bummy if he ever caught his kids arguing. That went for in-laws, grandkids, and even great-grandkids. All he ever wanted was to keep his family close. Right or wrong he was always on our side.
He started his own business calling it House of Drapery with Lois in 1967. This led to opportunities to serve The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by installing drapery in over 60 temples worldwide. The Salt Lake City Temple held special significance for him as this began their legacy of love.
Raynor and Lois contributed their time and labor to the Nauvoo Temple involving their children and grandchildren. He served four missions, held positions as Bishop, and served on the High Council multiple times. Raynor dedicated six years to temple work and later in life, he focused on Family History and Indexing.
Raynor embodied the principles of being “all in,” as highlighted in Gary B. Sabin’s general conference talk. His life was a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for his faith and family.
The lyrics from the Primary Children’s Songbook, “I Feel My Savior’s Love,” encapsulate Raynor’s life: The words “I feel my Savior’s love and know that He will bless me. I offer Him my heart; my shepherd, He will be. He knows I will follow Him, give all my life to Him. I feel my Savior’s love, the love He freely gives me.” This was Raynor’s guiding principle, and we will always look up to him and strive to follow his example.
Raynor is survived by his loving wife Lois (Luker) Lawrence; his children Brenda Tucker, Bryan (Keeley) Lawrence, Mark (Fadwa) Lawrence, Randon (Tricia) Lawrence and Jennifer (Ben) Lassiter; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, and his brothers Joe Lawrence and Max Lawrence.
Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Monday, July 8, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 25 North 2000 West, Hurricane, Utah. Funeral services will be held on July 9, at 11 a.m. following a viewing beginning at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 642 North 2850 West, Hurricane, . Graveside services will be held at noon at the Hurricane Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to click here to sign Raynor’s online guest book.