Joseph Leon Lawrence

Joseph L. Lawrence was born on March 14, 1947, in Seattle Washington to parents Judd and Jean Israel. He passed away on January 11, 2023. While he was an only child, he grew up with many cousins. He attended Franklin High School before moving on to the University of Washington where he studied Law. While on Spring Break in Hawaii he met the love of his life Julie Ann Carey who was also a student at the UW. In 1973 he completed graduate school with a degree of Juris Doctor and married Julie that same year. Over the next few years, he attended night school and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1976 in addition to his law degree.

He moved to the Eastside and opened his own practice where he focused on Business Valuations, Estate planning, and Tax Law. He and Julie built a home in Kirkland and while living there had their first two children Jeffrey and Jenny. They later built a home in Clyde Hill and had two more sons James and John.

Joe enjoyed golfing, skiing, and travelling. Several times a year he would attend the Attorney CPA Conventions where he would accrue his continuing education credits and made many lifelong friends and business associates. He became a certified scuba diver and enjoyed diving and snorkeling with the kids. He was involved with Boy Scouts and attended several hikes, potlucks, and outings, in addition to helping Jeff and John achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

In his later years, he bought a second home in Palm Springs and enjoyed spending winters in the desert. He and Julie loved to read poolside, try new recipes, restaurants and coffee shops as well as attending art shows and community events.

Joe was a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Julie, children Jeffrey Lawrence, Jennifer Epling (Jeremy), James Lawrence, and John Lawrence, as well as his three grandchildren Madeline (12), Landon (8), and Clara (5) Epling. He will be remembered for his brilliant legal mind, dedication to his family and the joy and laughter he brought to his grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, January 26, 11:00AM; Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home Chapel, with committal following, at Evergreen Memorial Park, all at 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133.