Dwight spent his first couple years of life in Merced, California. The summer of 1945, his family moved to Sulphur, Oklahoma. He attended Sulphur schools and graduated on May 26, 1961. Dwight later joined the Navy on January 31, 1964, until later honorably discharging December 21, 1967. During this time, he spent over two years and nine months at sea, in Okinawa, Japan. He was a communications officer. After discharging from the Navy, he worked in an accounting office of the Artesian Hotel and Casino. He also managed McCrory and McClellans store, moving to Pryor to do so. Dwight married the loved of his life, Fern Newcomb, on February 8, 1969. In January of 1970, Dwight started working for Pryor Cement (now named Buzzi Unicem). He worked there until his retirement day, June 29, 2005. He served as church Secretary/Treasurer and deacon of First Assembly of God church in Pryor for several years.

On February 27, 1970, Dwight and Fern welcomed their first daughter into the world, Suzanna “Susie.” Their second daughter, Christina “Christy” was born on March 13, 1972. They cherished every moment with her until her untimely passing on November 17, 2006. In his off time, he enjoyed woodworking and watching old Westerns. He spent 52 wonderful years loving Fern with all his heart, she passed on January 16, 2016. Dwight touched the lives of so many throughout the years and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Ola Fern Lawrence; parents Orval Daniel Lawrence and Johanna Marie (Weeks) Lawrence; daughter, Christy Shoemaker; sister Patsy McCarley and brother inlaw Bob McCarley.

He is survived by his family which includes his daughter Suzanna Saxon and husband Stan of Tahlequah; sister Ginger Hinson and husband Mark of Decatur, Texas; and his grandson Daniel Whalen and wife Amber of Broken Arrow. Numerous extended family and friends also survive him.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Pryor Cemetery with Pastor Aaron Doan officiating. Burial is under the care and direction of Kester Family Funeral Service of Stilwell.