Charles W. Lawrence Sr.

A graveside service for Charles W. “Bill” Lawrence Sr., 74, formerly of Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at the residence of Michael Lawrence.
Mr. Lawrence died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook.
He was born Oct. 13, 1935, in Hobbs, N.M., the son of Charles Ernest and Ora Mae Robins Lawrence.
Mr. Lawrence attended school for five years in Oak Ridge, Tenn., and later graduated from Shawnee Mission High School. He attended Kansas University and was in the marching band. He was president and owner of Lawrence Lumber and Supply Inc. for 35 years.
He was a member of the Mid-America Lumbermen’s Association, Elks Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles, KU Alumni Association, Williams Educational Fund and Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He enjoyed boating at Perry Lake and bowling.
He married Barbara Richardson on Aug. 17, 1957, in Lawrence. She died May 13, 1994. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Ernest “Bobby.”
Survivors include three sons, Charles W. “Chuck” and wife Carie, Marietta, Ga., Richard C. “Rick” and wife Marcell, Lawrence, and Michael A., rural Baldwin City; a sister, Sarah A. Wille, Overland Park; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a niece; several nephews; and his dog, Tiger.
The family suggests memorials to a charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
Condolences may be sent at warrenmcelwain.com.