Allen “David” Lawrence was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on May 18, 1941, the twelfth child of Joe and Charlotte Lawrence. He was preceded in death by all his brothers and sisters, who are welcoming him for one heck of a heavenly family party.
David played American Legion baseball prior to attending Harrison High School, where he played football for the Goblins and graduated in 1960. He proudly served in the United States Army and spent three years stationed in Germany. After returning home, David lived in Kansas City, Missouri, where he met his wife, Donna and shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. David is a retired journeyman electrician with L.U. 124 IBEW.
David had a lifelong love of sports, especially KU basketball. David coached his son’s baseball and football teams, as well as his daughter’s softball team. He found great joy in watching and videoing his grandchildren playing baseball and softball as well. David also played softball with the Kansas City Metro Senior Softball League until he was 80 years old.
David had four children: three sons; Robert, Donald, and Dennis Lawrence, and one daughter, Debbie Severino (Scott). He is also a Papa to nine grandchildren; Tina McReynolds (Jamie), Sabine Haugland (Jeremy), Christine Lawrence, James Lawrence, Casey Wilson (Brian), Kelsey Lawrence, Trent Severino, Breanna Severino, and Trevor Severino. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren.
David will be remembered for his love of family, sense of humor, and competitive spirit. Whether he was talking about sports, coaching, or joking with family and friends, David brought warmth, laughter, and love wherever he went.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm at McGilley and Hoge Funeral Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas 66204. The funeral will take place the following afternoon, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1:30 pm, also at McGilley and Hoge Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will follow at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, 23215 W 75th St, Shawnee, Kansas 66227.
In honor of David, guests are invited to dress just as David, Dad, and Papa would: in team colors, a college or professional team shirt, and jeans or sweatpants. KU, Arkansas, and the Chiefs were a few of his favorite teams, but all sports wear is welcome – even K-State purple will be allowed, since David always enjoyed joking with the family and friends who wore “the purple stuff.”
