Thomas "Tom" Lawrence

Thomas “Tom” Henry Lawrence was born in Brookings, South Dakota on August 20, 1958 to Marcella (Lavin) and Vernon Lawrence, Sr. He passed away on August 21, 2026, from stage four pancreatic cancer.

Tom was the fourth of the Lawrence family’s seven children. He attended Central Elementary School in Brookings until second grade. He and his family then moved to the Lawrence family farm near Estelline, South Dakota. Tom graduated from Estelline High School in May 1976.

Tom learned the hard-working life of a farmer – especially of dairy farming. He worked hard and owned his own cows until he left for college to study journalism and history at South Dakota State University in Brookings. He started his path to being a journalist on SDSU’s Collegian newspaper.

His life as a journalist took him to many newspapers across the United States. He was thrilled to have bylines in the New York Times, the London Telegraph and the Daily Beast. He co-founded the The South Dakota Standard blog. He won numerous awards for his writing including three national journalism awards. While working in Montana he wrote the book Pictures, a Park and a Pulitzer.

He interviewed local, state and national politicians and other community leaders. He had fun-filled tales from interviewing celebrities.

He especially found Jay Leno and James Doohan (Scotty from Star Trek) very engaging interviewees.
He loved politics, sports and people. He enjoyed playing on a softball team up until recently. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, the Kansas City Chiefs and the SDSU Jackrabbits.

He always had a warm heart and a soft spot for those in need. His family is devastated over losing him.

They always appreciated his humorous side, his political intensity and all his entertaining and educating “lectures”, particularly on historical events.

What a guy! As many have said, an outstanding journalist and a compassionate friend who will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving partner Grace Stark of 10 wonderful years. Together they built a beautiful life together filled with laughter, adventure and unforgettable memories which will be cherished forever. He is also survived by Grace’s children Bynxy (Theo), Myden (Abby) and the beloved grandchildren Ivo and Vera, his brother Chad and sisters Julie (Anthony), Mary (Kevin) and Debbie (Larry), his nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous friends (especially Ray Oines his friend since the 3rd grade). He was predeceased by his mother, father, older brother Vern, older sister Anita, her husband Richard and his nephew Les.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will take place on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home with a time of sharing at 6 pm.