George William Lawrence

George William Lawrence, age 86, of Palmetto, Florida, died Sunday, January 8, 2012 surrounded by his family at his daughter's home in Leipsic, Ohio. H e was born January 23, 1925 in Rutland, Illinois to Everett and Elsie (Vest) Lawrence.

On September 11, 1949 he married Lois Duden.

After growing up in rural Illinois and graduating from Rutland High School, Mr. Lawrence attended the University Of Illinois. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, he spent 20 years working for the research division of Libby McNeil Libby in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Ohio. In 1970 he moved his family to Bradenton, Florida to work for Gulf States Paper Inc. At this time he became involved with research on the propagation of sea oats. He was a pioneer in this field and started, along with his business partner, a nursery in Parrish, Florida, specializing in growing salt tolerant plants for use in beach reclamation. He continued expanding his business until retirement in 1996.

George was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving on the council and volunteering in varied capacities within the church. He served on the board of Imperial Lakes Master Association, a past member of the Manatee County Nursery Association and the Seratoma Club of Bradenton, Fl.

He had many interest, enjoyed music and was once a member of a Barbershop chours. He enjoyed playing golf and cards with friends, landscaping, traveling and watching the sunsets from his lakeside home.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Lois, his daughters, Cynthia Lawrence of Gainesville, FL, Janice (Mark) Schey of Leipsic , OH and son George "Bill" Lawrence of Bradenton, FL. Seven grandchildren, Aaron, Andria, Ian, Alissa, of Florida, Elaine of Colorado, Lindsey of Ohio, and David of New Zealand; Two great grandchildren, Anya and Lila. He is also survived by a sister, Lois Heck of Normal, Ill; and 5 nieces and 3 nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel Marie Orr and Gladys Ioerger.

Memorial services for George W. Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 17th at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6311 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton, Fl. The Rev. Dr. Jeannine Sweet and the Rev. William Whittopp will officiate. Burial will be in Mansion Memorial Cemetery, Ellenton, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.