Lawrence John Valencia was called home to heaven on April 19, 2015 after a year-long battle with Stage 4 cancer. He was born in Denver, Colorado on July 16, 1960. Lawrence was adopted by John and Lucinda Valencia who loved him with all their hearts. Lawrence, his sisters, and his mom and dad were a close family and loved each other immensely.

Lawrence grew up in the Lingle-Ft. Laramie area of Wyoming. He enjoyed hunting and camping with his father as a child. They went all over what Lawrence liked to call the “Mouse Mountains” and that is what nurtured Lawrence’s love for the outdoors.

Lawrence enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18 and served his country for 10 years. He saw many places and things while in the Army but always thought Wyoming was the best. When his stint with the Army was over, he could have settled anywhere but chose to come home to Wyoming.

In the year 1999, Lawrence met the person who would become his wife, Heather, while working the night shift at Wal-Mart. They were married on October 7, 2000 in Casper Wyoming. Together they had three beautiful children: Antonio, Michael, and Phillip. His children were the most important thing in his life. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for them.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, John Valencia and Lucinda Baca Valencia. He is survived by his wife Heather; his three sons Antonio, Michael, and Phillip; his two sisters, Barbara Valencia Clark and Teresa Valencia; his three nieces Tammy, Stacey, and Jamie; his nephew Corey and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He felt that family was the most important of all things. Lawrence’s in-laws were also an important part of his life. He loved Maurice and Sue, and they loved him like he was their own. Mark (Elan) Schmidt and Sara Schmidt were the brother and sister brought to him by his marriage to Heather. Lawrence had so much love to give and loved all his family and friends.

A Rosary will be held Thursday April 23 at 7:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday April 24 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. After mass, a reception will be held for Lawrence’s family and friends. At approximately 2:00pm Friday April 24, Lawrence will be interred at Oregon Trail Veteran’s Cemetery with military honors.

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