LAWRENCE, MONTE E.

Monte was born in Enola, Nebraska on June 21, 1922. He was one of nine children, 4 brothers and 4 sisters, born to Samuel Fletcher Lawrence and Jennie Lenore Eastburn. All of the above are now predeceased except for his brother, Gilbert, of Gardena, California.

Monte came to the Los Angeles area in 1940 working briefly as a journeyman plumber and at Douglas Aircraft before joining the Marine Corps on Nov. 11, 1942. Before his enlistment, he and his wife, Elaine, were married in Fernley, Nevada on June 21, 1942. During his enlistment his active tour of duty was for 33 months. He served in the Pacific Area from April 17, 1943 to Nov. 1, 1945 where he was part of the elite Marine Raider group in the Pacific Islands of Guam, Bougainville, and Okinawa. He was twice wounded and received numerous medals and ribbons including the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medals. He was honorably discharged as Corporal on November 8, 1945.

After spending nearly 3 years on a ranch in Nebraska, he returned to California becoming co-owner/operator of a Mobile Gas and Garage Station on Route 66 at the corner of Foothill Blvd. and Etiwanda Ave. for 14 years. After obtaining his Plumbing Contractor license, he worked in Southern and Northern California. He has lived in Chico for the last 40 years. He retired after 5 years as an employee for Chico State University. He had great empathy for animals. He also enjoyed gardening, but most of all loved boats and water skiing. Music and dancing were also a joy for him. He loved Big Band Music and later in life loved Dixieland Jubilees in Sacramento and Redding.

Monte passed away on May 14, 2012 and is survived by his wife, Elaine Lawrence of Chico, CA; brother, Gilbert Lawrence of Gardena, CA; nieces, Sharon Schiavone of Marysville, CA and Susan Coons of Temecula, CA and nephews, Mike Miller of Tracy, CA, Bob Miller of Lakewood, CA and Richard Lawrence of Idaho.

A graveside service will be Friday, May 18, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the Chico Cemetery.