John Gerald Lawrence

John Gerard Lawrence, born February 5, 1941, in New York City to John and Helen Lawrence, died October 3, 2007 at his home in Austin, Texas. Mr. Lawrence graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and then attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1962. He was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity. Mr. Lawrence spent the majority of his professional career with IBM, including assignments in Kingston, New York; East Fishkill, New York; The Netherlands; and Austin, Texas. He had a love for his family, friends, travel, motorcycles, investing, and the coast. Mr. Lawrence also had a passion for music and played many instruments, including the accordion, piano, saxophone, clarinet and banjo. Mr. Lawrence is survived by his devoted wife Jerry Lynn; children Alyssa Krisko and husband Rob, Kristen Pratt and husband Aaron, Elisa Knebel and husband Girin Beeharry, and Kevin Knebel and wife Fancy Mills; sister Marie Clifford and husband William; sister Barbara Coppola; sister-in-law Molly Dusenberry; and sister in-law Carol Adams. Mr. Lawrence's grandchildren are Ryan and Aidan Pratt, and Pia Beeharry. The family wishes to thank Dr. Carsten Kampe, the staff of the Texas Oncology Center, and the staff of Hospice Austin for their wonderful care. A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 6, 2007 at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.