Allen Lawrence's Obituary
Allen Franklin Lawrence was born August 15, 1924 in Supulpa, Oklahoma and passed away on August 30, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. Preceded in death by his parents, Fesler Emmett and Nelle Hale Lawrence. Al is survived by Charlene Campbell Lawrence, wife of 59 years; Children, grandchildren and (great grandchildren): Larry and Zena Lawrence, children Lindsey & Bryon Arita (Campbell and Porter), Leah and Jeffrey Crabb (Emily, Annie, Daniel and Caleb), Allen and Allison Lawrence; Judy and Paul Patterson, children Bradley and Julia; Jerry Lawrence; Jenny and Bruce Hansen, children David, Bethany and Benji Routamaa, Benjamin and Hannah; Lanna and Martin Hardy, children Maggie, Riley and Alice; and cousins Victor and Jewel Sheldon and Robert and Teresa Sheldon. Family will receive friends on September 4, 2015 from 6:00–8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be held on September 5, 2015 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Dallas, TX in Truett Chapel, located in the Criswell Building. Graveside Service will be on September 11, 2015 at the National Cemetery of DFW at 10:30 A.M. Memorials may be made to Gideons International and Wycliffe Bible Translators _________________________________________________________________ Allen Lawrence’s Story The Lawrence family moved to Lawton, Oklahoma when Allen was five years old. He graduated from Lawton High School as valedictorian in 1942. After a year of college Al was inducted into the Army during World War II, entering active duty in July 1943. Involved in the Pacific Theater of Operations his unit landed on Japanese-occupied Okinawa. He served as a surgical technician during heavy fighting. His unit remained until the American forces were victorious and the war ended. In March 1946 he was separated from service in the army. A highlight in Fall 2012 was his participation in Honor Flight #9 traveling to Washington, D.C. with forty other veterans. They toured major military attractions with special emphasis on the recently added WWII memorial. They were treated royally, like the true heroes they are. Truly part of the Greatest Generation he and so many others returned to their homes after the war, pursued their education, entered the work force, married, raised families and built our beloved America, the greatest nation ever known. He received BS and MBA degrees from Oklahoma University, graduating second in his class. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma, national honorary fraternities. As a Certified Public Accountant he began his 50-year career with Arthur Andersen Accounting firm in Dallas in 1952, developing many lifelong friendships. Al and Charlene married in 1956 and were blessed with five incredible children and twelve amazing grandchildren; six Great grandchildren were the icing on the cake for a very proud Granddad!! His family brought him great joy. He was actively involved for many years in Gideons International, which diligently distributes Bibles in schools, hospitals and motels worldwide. Along with his entire family he has been deeply involved serving in various Church activities over the decades: church treasurer, deacon, Bible teacher, choir and board member. His relationship with his Lord and Savior was the most important part of his life. His was truly a life well lived. Pallbearers: Grandsons David Hansen, Allen Lawrence II, Benjamin Hansen, Riley Hardy, Bradley Patterson, Bryon Arita, Jeffrey Crabb, and Benji Routamaa Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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