John P. Lawrence
1921-2010
Father, Partner, Friend
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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverb 3:5-6)
A man of integrity, John Paul Lawrence, acknowledged the Lord with every step he took in life. He was a loving man of faith, whose warm heart and smile endeared everyone to him.
John P. Lawrence, age 88, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, February 17, 2010, at home following a brief illness.
On October 15, 1921, John and his twin sister, Dorothy, were born to Paul and Dorothy (Guy) Lawrence. They were born very prematurely and not given much of a chance. After losing their mother due to complications in childbirth, John and Dorothy were raised by their grandparents, W.R. and Ella Lawrence in Marion, Ohio. They graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1939.
After high school, John enrolled in Ohio Northern University, where he studied Law for three years. Then, feeling called to join in the fight of World War II, he left school and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. He served as a Parachute Infantry Unit Commander in the 11th AirBorne division in the Pacific. He was also a part of the liberation of 2100 civilian prisoners in Las Banos in the Philippines near Manila. He was discharged with the rank of Captain.
Soon after the conclusion of World War II, John returned to Marion, where he married his former classmate, Dorothy Bechtle Fogle, on August 10, 1947 and together they had six children. She stood by his side as he purchased his uncle Dale’s orchard in 1950, known still today as Lawrence Orchards. Shortly after acquiring the orchard, John was recalled to serve in the U.S. Army Active Reserve at Fort Meade, Maryland during the Korean War.
After his second honorable discharge, John again returned to Marion to be with his wife and family, and to operate Lawrence Orchards. A hard worker, John understood the demands of the orchards and he intently cared for his duties. After caring for the orchard for over thirty years, John was honored to have his son, George join him in partnership and carry on the family legacy. He would then continue to have an active interest in the orchard until his final days.
John had served as the President of the Ohio State University Horticultural Society, and was integral in starting the Ohio Fruit Growers Marketing Association (OFGMA). He was a former Pleasant School Board Member for 16 years, and had been a past board member of the American Red Cross and the Marion County Farm Bureau.
John was a man who loved the Lord. He was an active member of the Smeltzer Road Alliance Church, where he served as an elder. He was President of the Senior Group known as Prime Timers and involved in other activities. It was during this time John became acquainted with Peg Strawser and they were led of the Lord to become one and were united in marriage on June 29, 1997 at Smeltzer Road Alliance Church. Sensing their time could be short they have celebrated 152 monthly anniversaries. Their lives were inseparable and Peg called him her “Gentle Man” as he would always open her door and always put her first. For a number of years they led devotions at Morning View Care Center.
In 2008, John and Peg were honored in sharing a unique and memorable experience in taking a trip to Washington, D.C. with other World War II veterans and their wives to see the memorials that were dedicated to them.
With a love for fishing, John enjoyed many trips to Lake Erie, White Fish Falls and later Bob’s Lake in Canada.
John will be missed dearly by his wife, Peg of Marion; six children: Polly Kibler of Marion, and her son, Andrew Kibler; Lt. Colonel Jack (Kerry) Lawrence (Retired) of Huntsville, Alabama, and their children: Pete and Megan Lawrence; Dolly (Colonel Gilbert M.D.) Ghearing of Fayetteville, Tennessee, and their children: Gena, Garth (Allyson), Georgia, Gabe, Grace, G.R. and Gillian Ghearing; Becky (Ron) Miller of Westerville, and their sons: Marcus and Nick (Dany) Miller; George (Vickie) Lawrence of Marion, and their children: Greg (Kristina) and Rachel Lawrence; and Missy (Bruce) Alexander of Marion, and their sons: Nathan, Joshua, and Noah Alexander; three great-grandchildren: Drew, Zefram and Kepler Ghearing; three step children: Stephanie (Kent) Dash of Nokomis, Florida, John (Rhonda) Strawser of the Philippines, and their sons: Daniel and Michael Strawser; and Randy (Diane) Strawser of Grand Rapids, and their children: C.J., Mitchel, Elisha and Jadon; a twin sister, Dorothy Plough of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his first wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his two brothers: Herbert and Donald Lawrence; a sister, Jean Fields; and a brother-in-law, Dane Plough.
The Lawrence family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, at the Cornerstone Alliance Church, 2010 Marion-Marysville Rd., Marion, where services celebrating his life will be held on Sunday at 2:00p.m. with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Military honors will immediately follow the services at the church. His family will observe private burial services in Marion Cemetery on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cornerstone Alliance Church, 2010 Marion-Marysville Rd., Marion, Ohio 43302.
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Dad was the second generation Lawrence to operate Lawrence Orchards, as sole owner from 1950-1980, and then as partner with his son George from 1980-2000, and then as farmer emeritus from 2000-2010. His knowledge, humor, and friendship will be greatly missed.
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