Lawrence, 67, passed away at his home in Nipomo, CA, May 27 ^th with his companion and wife of 34 years, Christine (Chris) by his side.  He was under the care of Mission Hope Cancer Center of Santa Maria for his lengthy and courageous battle with Cancer.

Lawrence was born at the USAF hospital at Burderop Park, England to his British mother, Maureen, and his Air Force father, James W. Oliver.  At the ripe age of five months his family came back across the Pond to take up residence in the states.  His formative years were spent living military life with station assignments in New Mexico and Washington state.  While in Roswell, NM, sister Julia Lynne joined the family.  Being so close in age, Lawrence and Julia formed a close and affectionate bond that they shared his entire life.  In 1959 they transferred to Vandenberg AFB, CA where the family decided to put down roots.  Baby sister Alison Ruth joined the family next, and after two final assignments in Colorado and Florida, the family returned to Vandenberg AFB and Lompoc, permanently.

As a young boy Lawrence developed a love for music and was self-taught in both piano and guitar.  While a teenager, he formed his own band of motley musicians, pounding away in the garage of the family home.  His love of music never diminished.

Lawrence was also a great sports fan, especially bowling and auto racing.  He was an accomplished league bowler, netting him numerous league championship trophies.  Lawrence loved to watch all forms of auto racing on TV and whenever possible, attended in person.

He looked forward to Christmas each year so he could decorate indoors and out, always having the best decorations in the neighborhood.  It was a time and task he thoroughly enjoyed.  Lawrence received great pleasure and pride caring for their garden and yard.  Lawrence was a master at barbequing, especially tri-tip.

Lawrence and Chris always had "rescued furry friends" in their home, starting with their dogs Duke and Kit and cats Patches and currently Penny and Sadie.

Lawrence worked in retail management and held positions at Footlocker, Circuit City, Audio City, and most recently Kohl's.  Lawrence was a "people person" and these positions provided him the opportunity to serve the public and as well as mentor his associates.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Mission Hope Cancer Center doctors, nurses and support staff for their expert and compassionate care of Lawrence throughout his lengthy illness.

He is survived by wife Christine, Nipomo, CA, daughters Leslie Ludlow and Lauren (Mike) Bryant, Pomona, CA from a previous marriage, mother Maureen Oliver (William Boggs), Lompoc, CA, step mother Marilyn Oliver, Lompoc, CA, sisters Julia (Jim) Sigler, Visalia, CA and Alison (Mike) Daniel, Paso Robles, CA, step sisters Deborah Mullen, Austin, TX and Michelle (David) Stone, Kingsburg, CA, step-brothers Michael (Suzette) Boggs, Lancaster, CA and Damon (Shawna) Boggs, Santa Maria, CA, uncle Robert Oliver, Indianapolis, IN and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grandsons Maverick and Austin.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his father, James W. Oliver, grandfathers John Macdonald and James Harrison Oliver, grandmothers Marguerite Oliver and Mabel Macdonald, and nephew Corey Morrow.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 North A St. Lompoc, CA  93436.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Lawrence's name to Mission Hope Cancer Center, 1325 E Church St, Santa Maria, CA 93454, or Santa Barbara Humane – Santa Maria, 1687 W Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93458.

Reception to follow.