Lorn Edward "Sonny" Lawrence

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Lorn Edward "Sonny" Lawrence, 93, Nevada, Mo., passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2014, at Moore-Few Care Center, in Nevada, after a brief illness. Sonny was born July 28, 1920, in Deerfield, Mo., to Edward and Nellie (Zimmerman) Lawrence. He was united in marriage to Ruth Warner in 1940, in Fort Scott, Kan., and she preceded him in death on May 21, 2009.

Sonny was a lifelong resident of Deerfield, Mo., and attended Deerfield School. Sonny operated the family business, Lawrence and Sons Lumber Company with his father and help from his wife, Ruth, for more than 40 years. He had several partnerships over the years and later had one with his oldest son Jim. After his retirement he and Ruth enjoyed the time by traveling to Texas. Sonny was a member of the Bible Baptist Church of Vernon County.

Survivors include two sons, Jim Lawrence and his wife, Sharon, Ed Lawrence and his wife, Vanessa, both of Nevada; three grandchildren, Bryan Lawrence, Bridget for Beverly Jean Haner Kavanaugh, and Lillian Ruth Lawrence; two great-grandchildren, Shannon Lawrence and Mellisa Kavanaugh; two great-great-grandchildren, Emille Lawrence and Colton Lawrence; two brothers, Chester Lawrence, Wichita, Kan., and Jr. Lawrence, Fort Scott, Kan.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Along with his parents and wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ashley Lawrence, in 2005.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13, at Deerfield Baptist Church in Deerfield, Mo., with the Revs. Jerry Pyle and Bill Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Deerfield Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, at Ferry Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Bible Baptist Church of Vernon County.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.