Robert Lawrence

Robert Eugene Lawrence was born on June 29, 1940, in Bloomington, Indiana to Estel Lawrence and Mary Gertrude Grubb He was their first child. Robert’s siblings were Mary Ann, Ronald Keith and Linda Lou.

On December 18, 2025, he passed peacefully. We honor the life and the adventures that continue beyond this moment.

His life spanned a period of extraordinary transformation in American history, and in many ways, he both witnessed and helped build the physical world of the mid-to-late twentieth century.

Being born during the years of World War II, Robert’s father served as a sailor in the United States Navy, including service in the Battle of Okinawa. His mother worked in a munitions plant supporting the war effort. During these years, Robert and his sister lived with their maternal grandparents.

He attended Shortridge High School in Indiana, the first racially integrated high school in Indianapolis. As a young man, Robert stood at the intersection of social change. In high school he participated in track as a runner.

In 1959 at a roller skating rink he met Diana Gayle Chambers and they soon married. Diana was the love of his life, married 52 years when Diana passed away. Two years into their marriage Selina their only child arrived. He was an incredible dad. He worked nights and cared for his daughter during the day while Diana worked.

He was accepted into the Ironworker Apprenticeship Program becoming a Journeyman Ironworker. His career took him across the country during his early married years and later anchored him in Arizona.

Over decades of work, Robert as a foreman he helped construct some of the most complex and enduring structures of his time. He worked on nuclear facilities in the Southeast and later on the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station near Phoenix, the largest nuclear power plant in the United States. In Phoenix, he saw major projects through to completion, including Bank One Ballpark.

He enjoyed being a weekend instructor in the apprenticeship program for many years. He retired from teaching in his 70’s. He participated on the national curriculum board for the Ironworkers.

Outside of work, Robert carried a lifelong love of auto racing. In his younger years he raced stock cars, and throughout his life he followed the sport closely, attending multiple Indianapolis 500 races.

He was adventurous skydiving once, river rafting in the Grand Canyon, learning to fly gliders, desert racing, hunting and fishing. In retirement golfing became a passion. He also loved music especially Johnny Cash. He enjoyed sharing and telling jokes.

His legacy grew from one daughter Selina Heberling (Mike) to two granddaughters Samantha Moore (Mikey) and Stephanie Moore (Lance) who he completely adored. From there the family expanded to 8 great grandchildren Elliott, Chiler, Xander, Ian, Dax, Rory, Oliver and Arlis.