Donald Lawrence

Donald (Don) Edwards Lawrence, 84, passed September 20, 2015 at the Holmgreen Center in Corpus Christi of natural causes. Born in 1931, he grew up in Longview, TX. He is he son of Jessie and Ina Mae (Edwards) Lawrence. He was a longtime resident of Corpus Christi. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Juanita Stanford. Don is survived by his wife of 30 years, Joyce Lawrence; his sons, Donny Lawrence (Melody) & James Lawrence (Elizabeth); his daughter, Nancy Kennerly (Mark); his nephew, Robert Bailey (Marilyn); He has six grandchildren, Scott Lawrence, Dee Lawrence, Cody Lawrence, Kaela Lawrence, Christi (Kennerly) Hindes, Ryan Kennerly; and six great grandchildren, Tanner Lawrence, Jane Lawrence, Cort Hindes, Cali Hindes, Jack Kennerly, Sam Kennerly. In his early years, Don attended public school and graduated from Longview High School in 1948. He studied 2 years at Kilgore Junior College, worked briefly in Ft. Worth for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Co., and then joined the Navy in 1951 during the Korean War. He served his country aboard an aircraft carrier working on helicopters, ran the officer’s club at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, and was also stationed in Lakehurst, NJ. Don and his first wife, Barbara Moody, whom he married in 1953, had two children; Donny and Nancy. They lived in Robstown, TX. When his service with the Navy was completed in 1955, he went to work for Central Power and Light Co. (CP&L) as a machinist. Don and his second wife Leanna Perrenot, whom he married in 1968, had a son; James. They lived in Corpus Christi. Don and his third wife, Joyce (Molsberry) Kerr, whom he married in 1985, did not have any children. Joyce’s children are Randy Kerr, Raymond Kerr, and Bridget (Kerr) Hays. Joyce worked in the CP&L central office and a mutual friend introduced them. They also lived in Corpus Christi. He worked for CP&L for 33 years. He was General Plant Forman at the time of his early retirement in 1988. During his retirement, he enjoyed his lifetime hobby of woodworking and even had an addition added to the back of his garage in pursuit of a place to put his many tools. He had a passion for woodworking and created many handcrafted items for friends and family members. He enjoyed watching television programs on woodworking, especially This Old House, and created an extensive collection of taped programs. He was always curious about the world and was a lifetime learner. The visitation and viewing will be held in Corpus Christi on September 22 at the Sawyer-George Funeral Home located at 12497 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX from 5pm to 7pm. The service will be held in Longview, TX on September 24 at the Rader Funeral Home located at 1617 Judson Road, Longview, TX starting at 2pm. He will be buried in the Edwards family cemetery following the service. Please send any flowers to the Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Cards or letters can be sent to 715 S. Upper Broadway, #1103 Cliffhouse, Corpus Christi, TX 78410. Funeral services entrusted to Sawyer-George Funeral Home, Inc., 12497 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410. (361) 242-3205 Please visit our web site at www.sawyergeorgefuneralhome.com.

Donald Lawrence

July 2, 1931 - September 20, 2015