Robert A. “Bob” Lawrence, 85, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2021.
He was born October 9, 1935, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Phillip Lawrence Sr. and Evelyn Lawrence (Montgomery).
Bob graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma in
1953. He attended the University of Colorado on a football scholarship.
Bob decided that school wasn’t for him and joined the Marine Corps in
1954 through 1958 where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. While serving
our country, he traveled all around the Pacific and Central America. He
was selected for an elite Long Range Reconnaissance unit and was also a
paratrooper. Up until the day he died, he was a proud former Marine. He
was proud of his service to his country. The discipline he learned in
the Marine Corps served him well throughout the rest of his life.
After leaving the Marine Corps, he made his was to St. Joe, where
he met the love of his life, Rosalia Tasset. They married in Troy,
Kansas on August 19, 1958. They were married for over 61 years. During
that time, they had five children that blessed their lives. Bob worked
for 34 years for Seitz meatpacking plant. Besides his marriage and
children, the day he retired from Seitz was the best day of his life.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman, loved his dogs, mushroom hunting, and
fishing. He had many stories about the big one that got away. Bob was
also a lifelong and long-suffering Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.
One of his great hobbies was wood working. Bob made everything from toys
to furniture that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
will always cherish. He enjoyed the many family celebrations of
birthdays, holidays, and graduations and cheered on his grandchildren at
their sporting events.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant son; and infant great-grandson.
Survivors include his children, Charles Lawrence (Kristin), of
Hays,KS; Kathleen Shorba (John), Ruth Myers (Steve), Roberta Wright
(Harold), all of St. Joseph; 11 grandchildren, Tiffany Nix (TJ), Tara
Lubbers (Lucas), Traci Polifka (Jared), Mark Veale, Elizabeth Nichols
(Zachary), Alex Veale (Cassandra), Joshua Shorba (Nova), Jacob Shorba,
Angela Lehan (Chris), Lauretta Hewlett (Demetrius), Benjamin Wright
(Alexandra); 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Phillip Lawrence (Donna);
sister, Ann Luneen (Dan); cousin, Tom Montgomery (Roberta).
Although the road was long and not without struggles, Bob fought
the good fight up to the end. Rest in Peace, Dad. Your family will
always miss you, until we meet again.
Graveside Farewell Services & Inurnment 10:00 A.M. Wednesday,
Mount Auburn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations
to the D.A.V. or Friends of the Animal Shelter. Online guest book and
obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.