Russell Dean Lawrence was born on July 4, 1965 to Bill and Donna Lawrence in Bakersfield, California. As the middle child of four, Russell enjoyed growing up on the farm and the many escapades that occurred while surrounded by his siblings and cousins. He was a longtime livestock showman in 4-H and an award winning swimmer on the school swim team. Russell enjoyed hunting with his father and riding dirt bikes and quads on their land. After graduating from Shafter High School he began his lifelong career in the Kern County oilfields and was married. Russell and Kim had three kids; Russell, Kaila, and Justin and resided in the Taft area for the majority of their childhood. Russell was always bigger than life. He loved to listen to heavy metal music as loud as possible (was there really any other way?). He loved riding motorcycles whether it was dirt bikes or Harleys it didn't matter; on the road with the throttle pinned ... He was free. We remember that freedom in the lyrics of one of his favorite bands Metallica's song "Wherever I May Roam" Rover, wanderer Nomad, vagabond Call me what you will But I'll take my time anywhere Free to speak my mind anywhere And I'll redefine anywhere Anywhere I roam Where I lay my head is home. The only thing that slowed him down was his family. He dubbed himself the coolest Papa ever and took his title very seriously. Russell's home will always remain with his family. Russell was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, Bill Lawrence. He is survived by his mother, Donna Lawrence; his siblings, Mary, Gwen, and Guy Lawrence; girlfriend, Teresa Wolfe; children, Russell Lawrence and Amanda Throne, Casey and Kaila Wootten, and Justin Lawrence; his grandchildren, Alex Yearton, Brandon Throne, Brenton and Tanner Wootten and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service for all of Russell's friends and family will be held at Peters Funeral Home, Shafter on March 28, 2015 at 10:00am, followed by a celebration of life at the Lawrence Residence. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made for the expenses of Russell's funeral costs.