Lawrence I Shows

He is survived by his wife Dolores (Dolly) Grafe Shows who he married in Cebo, Philippine Islands, November 1974,

Also, a daughter Vivian Elaine Isaacs

2 sons, Leonard Earl Shows and Kenneth Clarence Shows

In addition there are 4 grandchildren- Bart Bowen, Chantel Bowen Sanchez, Christy Shows, Pamela Coronada

Lawrence also was the great grandfather to four: Gavin, Tanner, Alexander and Lexia

Lawrence grew up in central Texas always fond of music-playing the guitar and the mandolin with his brothers. He also lived in New Mexico, California and finally spent his final years in Sun City, Arizona. While in California, Lawrence and Dolly served as tour guides to the various amusement parks and local attractions. The two always welcomed and enjoyed entertaining visitors in their home.

He served in the US Army during World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater-as a Construction Machine Operator- predominately in the Philippines and Japan-receiving a Victory Ribbon, Overseas Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupation Ribbon.

Lawrence loved to travel taking his family to Galveston Beach in the summer, the mountains of Colorado, Vermont, Canada and of course his beloved Texas where he made annual trips with the highlight being a full day of playing 42 with various family members. He was an aficionado at the game of 42 and challenged all of his family to the game-especially enjoying the more challenging hands and of course loved to win!!

Lawrence took many of these trips in his prized Cadillac’s. In addition, Lawrence and Dolly visited the Philippines where we remember him talking about one of the highlights being the roasting of a pig.

Lawrence was a gardener growing tomatoes, okra, green beans and taking care of his fruit trees. Dolly served as his gardening partner with her pride being her roses, which Lawrence always praised her for having a green thumb and could grow anything.

In the past ten years, Lawrence took up the hobby of making exact replicas of the FarmAll tractors as well as other farm equipment, which he operated as a youth in Texas on their farm. Many of the family members and friends have been the recipients of his talents.

Lawrence loved the Diamondbacks when they were winning-watching old re-runs of Gunsmoke and the Andy Griffith Show, but his all time favorite show was the Polka Music. He loved the old time Blue Grass Music as well as other country western singers such as Merle Haggard, Gene Watson, Charlie Pride, Hank Williams, Sr.

Lawrence loved taking family members out to dinner and his all time favorite place was the Texas Roadhouse, where he celebrated his 80th birthday. As a side note one of his favorite’s was Vivian’s peach pie-until lately!!!???

Growing up, as his daughter, I remember that he took us to Sunday lunch after church; As his sons, we remember going fishing and camping at Joe Chandler’s ranch in West Texas, and Daddy went to our car races

Lawrence went out his way to help others, whether neighbors, family or friends. He was a loving and attentive husband, father, grandfather and great-father. His robust humor will be missed by all!

Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, November 23, 2012 at Sunland Mortuary Lakeside Chapel and a Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am Friday, November 23, 2012 at Sunland Mortuary Lakeside Chapel, Sun City, AZ.