Kenneth Larry Lawley's Obituary
Dr. Kenneth Larry Lawley 12/13/1932 – 6/7/2021, is survived by his wonderful wife of 45 years, Arlene. He so loved his beautiful blended family.
Children: Brian and Kirsten (Craig)
Grandchildren: Kelly (Kyle), Matthew, Sarah and Taylor
Great Grandchildren: Bennett and Brené
Bonus/Blended Children: Debra (Mike) Donna, and Davis (Stephanie)
Grandchildren: Sean (Ashley), Jenna (Mack), Katy, Cali, Nicholas, Olivia and Juliet
Great Grandchildren: Molly and Lilith
God showed his mercy to move Ken, after his spinal injury to his final resting place, June 7, 2021.
Ken was born in Harrisburg, PA and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgy from Pennsylvania State University in 1954.
Drafted into the army in 1955 and served in Ft. Bliss, Texas until 1957. He found El Paso, TX quite different than living in Pennsylvania.
Earned a PhD from Ohio State in 1962 at Columbus. He spent his entire professional scientific career working on compound semiconductor materials and devices (while never working on silicon semiconductors). His understanding of chemical physics and thermodynamics coupled with his ability to work with other people lead him to responsibilities in both research and management. After graduation, he went to Bell Research Labs in New Jersey, Monsanto’s Central Research Labs in St. Louis, Monsanto’s LED production facility in Cupertino, CA, Texas Instruments’ Central Research Labs in Dallas, Honeywell’s Electro-Optics in Massachusetts and to Texas Medical Instruments in San Antonio. In 1995, he turned to applying his talents and experience by teaching AP classes in chemistry, physics and mathematics for high school students in East Central, San Antonio ISD.
Ken had a deep interest and passion for music. He began with piano. In Dallas, Boston and San Antonio, he joined the orchestral symphony chorus. A particular highlight of this career was a concert at Carnegie Hall, New York City, with the Boston Symphony chorus. He also had a deep love for opera.
In 2007, Ken moved back to Dallas to be near family and enjoy his retirement. Season tickets to the Dallas Opera were one of the many things he loved.
Ken had a deep Christian faith; he was a student of the Bible and member of several Bible study groups. Member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church and enjoyed being in the choir with such a great group.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
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