Obituary
Thomas “Tom” Lee Lawrence passed away on the morning of January 31, 2024 at Ozark Nursing and Care Facility in Ozark, Missouri. He was 87 years old.
Tom was born in Newton, Iowa on June 15, 1936 to Verle and Ora Lawrence. Later, his parents, brother, and sister moved to Canton, Illinois where he worked at the family restaurant, attended Canton High school, and made many lifelong friends with whom he stayed in touch for decades. He attended college in Illinois where he met his first wife, Rosie. The family moved to California and raised two daughters.
After Rosie’s death in 1981, Tom married his second wife, Susan and gained a step-son, Brian. They lived and worked on the westside of Los Angeles near Venice Beach for many years. They later decided to retire to a beautiful home in rural Strafford, Missouri where they raised and showed Norwich Terriers, even consulting on and appearing as extras in the movie “Best in Show.” Tom also loved to walk and could often be seen strolling around their property with his beloved barn cats riding on his shoulders.
Tom spent many years serving in the U.S. Army reserve, but most of his career was spent working in the aerospace industry in California. As an industrial engineer at Rockwell International and Boeing Corporation, Tom led teams of engineers in several large government projects, including the building of military aircraft and the space shuttle.
Tom wasn’t all about work though. He also ran several marathons and loved to play tennis, ping pong, billiards, and darts. He was a huge fan of baseball, basketball, and, especially, football.
Tom was also an accomplished guitarist and played both guitar and the harmonica throughout his life. He enjoyed both country and bluegrass music and would gladly strike up a tune with any other musicians that came his way.
Tom was well known for his “Dad Joke” sense of humor. When he wasn’t working, playing music, or involved in sports, he would invent jokes with punchlines that contained elaborate puns. Occasionally, he would play good-natured, practical jokes on his friends and family.
Tom is survived by his daughter and her husband, Linda and Chris Seddon; his step-son and his wife, Brian and Betty Fitzwilliam; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren: and his sister, Donna Howey.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Rosalind Lawrence and Susan Lawrence;his daughter, Sherri Adams;his parents Verle and Ora Lawrence;and his brother, Larry Lawrence.
A graveside service was held at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens located at 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, Missouri, 65804 on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
The family members extend their heartfelt gratitude toward the Ozark Nursing and Care and Access Hospice staff and volunteers for their attentive and loving care of their sweet Tom during his last years of life.
Slideshow
Tom on Guitar
Enjoy this short clip of Tom playing the guitar.
Tom’s Favorite Music
Tom Lawrence loved listening to country and bluegrass. Enjoy some of his favorites.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research.
Please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research. Tom’s quality of life was severely impacted by Parkinson’s Disease in his last years. The Michael J. Fox Foundations is committed to ongoing research into the causes of Parkinson’s as well as early detection. Their ultimate goal is to find a cure.