Ronald B. Lawrence

RON LAWRENCE, 81, of Coldwater, MI, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. Born Feb. 12, 1940, in Knightstown, IN, he was the son of the late Roy and Beulah (Jones) Lawrence. He always spoke fondly of his childhood growing up in Knightstown with his beloved sister Linda, and particularly enjoyed his time working alongside his parents in the family grocery store as a child.  On September 9, 1962, he married Barbara Botts from Ligonier, IN, whom he met at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, and who survives him. Ron and Barb loved college life together and always amazed the family with humorous stories of living in married housing and buying the first place of their own for $2500 with a loan from their parents (which they paid back!).  Upon graduation Barb and Ron settled on Elmbrook Dr. in Ft. Wayne, IN to raise a family and pursue their careers. They enjoyed entertaining a large circle of dedicated, and what would become lifelong, friends and were also surrounded by wonderful and helpful neighbors. During this time they embraced their love of being near the water by vacationing on Lake Wawasee with their two sons in the summer months, and later taking cruises to the islands with friends, and visiting the beaches of Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.

For his entire career, Ron worked in the fields of audiology and speech pathology with the Fort Wayne Community School System. He had a Bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing and a Master’s degree in deaf education, which was a passion he often spoke of during his working years. Upon retirement, Ron spent 25 happy years on Coldwater Lake in MI enjoying time with his wife, friends and family and the continued pursuit of his favorite hobbies: boating, landscaping, and cooking.  Along with having what one may call, “the perfectly manicured lawn,” throughout his life he was always known (and often lovingly teased) for the spectacular nature of his holiday decorations, whether it be Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas, which he loved immensely and subsequently gave his children a treasure trove of beautiful memories. Spending time with the family at the holidays was one of the great joys of his life, and his “Lawrence” breakfast for the entire family on these occasions was nothing short of legendary, always including his favorites: cinnamon rolls, sausage biscuits and gravy, and the always perfectly cooked “dunky” egg, sunnyside up to others, for sopping one’s toast into. So it only seems fitting that he would pass on Thanksgiving Day to always be remembered and celebrated at future family gatherings.

Ron was immensely proud of his grandchildren by Tim and Shannon, Jenna and Ty. Both are skilled athletically and he loved watching them play sports whether it was softball, volleyball, lacrosse, or soccer. He marveled at what wonderful young adults they were becoming as Jenna pursued a nursing degree and Ty grew into a young man, excelling at his interests, and looking past high school.  His two sons, Pat and Tim, were also a great source of pride, enjoyment, entertainment, and probably a little irritation (especially in their teenage years!). Their relationships continued to grow over time and they were always there for each other. The greatest blessing of his life was his wife Barb. Married for 59 years, she is as kind and patient as she is honest and forthright. Barb has been a true role model and inspiration for others, first as an educator and now as a friend to so many. She is known for her smile, her laugh, and her resilient zest for life.

Ron and Barb attended Fairview Missionary Church in Angola. Ron was deeply moved by his attendance there and always shared stories about the messages given which provided him much comfort and inspiration. Along with his wife, Ron is survived by his sons, Tim (Shannon) Lawrence of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Pat (Martha Bassett) Lawrence of Winston-Salem, NC; siblings, Linda (Don) Hopkins of Okatie, SC; and family (Larry and Mindi); and grandchildren, Jenna and Ty Lawrence. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN. Service will be Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 at 11a.m. at Fairview Missionary Church, 525 E 200 N, Angola, IN with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment at grave site to follow service. For additional information, photos or to sign the online guest book, go to http://www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to Fairview Missionary Church of Angola, or Parkview Hospice.