It was on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, that Lawrence Butler Fennell, husband, father, Paw Paw, brother, Uncle, friend, went to be with Jesus at the age of 76. Lawrence will forever be remembered by his beloved wife of 55 years, Bette Grace Fennell, whom he devoted his whole heart and life to; his loving children and their spouses, Lawrence “Larry” and Miriam Fennell, Richard and Cynthia Fennell, Kenneth and Stacy Fennell, and Starla & Josh Scrivner; along with his “pride & joy” grandchildren Christina & John Ferriola, Lindsey Grant, Eric Fennell, Scott Fennell, Zoe Fennell, Zack and Ashlee Fennell, Spring Graham, Aaron Graham, Andrew Fennell; and great grandchildren Amara Schonauer, Koen Schonauer, Neal Grant, James Ferriola & Ethan Ferriola.
Lawrence was born on June 1, 1941 in Petal, Mississippi where he was raised by his mother Minnie Evelyn Ratcliff and father Earl Viron Fennell; along with ten other siblings including those surviving him, sister Betty Joan Wilcox and brother Robert Olan Fennell. He moved to Houston, Texas as a teenager seeking work and a better life which he found (his words) “the day he met Bette on the school bus.” He spent four years serving in the U.S. Navy and it was during those years that he and Bette married and began their family. Together, in 1976, Lawrence and Bette built their home in Conroe, Texas where they still reside after 42 amazing years of raising kids and grandkids.
Home & family, those are what meant the world to him, immediate & extended. He was the pillar of strength for them all. His love for family ran deep and he loved nothing more than to spend time at his home surrounded by those he loved. That was his “happy.”
Lawrence was known by all as a hardworking, loyal, loving, faithful man. He brought his country roots and combined it with a big city dream to become a successful entrepreneur founding two steel manufacturing companies. He took pride in his business and created an incredible legacy for his family. He made many friends along the journey and was an inspiration to everyone. He was greatly admired by employees, friends, and family; teaching valuable life lessons that will live on in all who knew him. Many who speak of him use the word “hero” in conjunction with his name.
Lawrence Fennell was full of laughter; a rich man in all aspects of life … faith, family, friends & success. Have no doubt that he lived a full life and left this world proud, loved and completely fulfilled.
A celebration of life will take place with a visitation at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Rd. Conroe, Texas Monday, April 16th 5:00-7:00 pm and funeral services at his church home, First Baptist Church of Groceville 19256 FM 1484 Conroe, Texas 77303 Tuesday, April 17th 10:00 am with burial immediately following at New Bethlehem Cemetery.If anyone would like to make a donation in Lawrence Fennell’s name in lieu of sending flowers, the family suggests the following to help with perpetual care of the facilities:
New Bethlehem Cemetery Association PO BOX 7232, Cut and Shoot, TX 77306
or The BRISTOL Foundation, http://bristolfoundation.org/support/
