Michael Lawrence Obituary

September 25, 2017

Sterling McDonald wrote a sympathy message

“What a grievous loss for the Lawrence family. I've known no finer man than Mike, who was periodically woven into my life since birth as a distant relative, friend, our childrens’ friendship and business partner. As many have testified here, his beautiful character qualities are indisputable, and I sum them up this way: Mike's social and family relation skills were bested by no one across all socio-economic levels----------allowing you to mutually look up to each other, with a good dose of wit as an exclamation point! To this, I never heard anyone speak a disparaging word of Mike. For example, Mike and I poached on Rawson's protected territory as business partners, upon gaining the manufacturer's consent. But after we sold our business, Rawson employed him until his death-----apparently no hard feelings there. I'm sure Mike's character strengths stemmed from the Lawrence patriarch, Mike's grandfather Frank Lawrence, who took some of his queue's from his employer, Mr. Dunkin, of the Brown-Dunkin Department Store at 4th & Main. Ditto for Mike's father, Joe (he also worked for Mr. Dunkin), who approached friends downtown by hooking an arm with them to walk and talk----------just like Mike, firmly at ease with himself while calling both guys and gals "sweetie". I know this because Frank Lawrence was married to my maternal grandmother, Maude Rising. Together they raised his children, Joe and Les, and her daughter (my mother) Mary Latshaw. Frank was the only grandfather I knew on my mother's side, and an equally nice man to me, while Mike was really the only brother I never had. By good fortune, I was able to be with Mike while in Tulsa two weeks ago yesterday, having him drive me by Frank and Maude's house(s) on Darlington around Braden Park, after visiting Mike's barn, the horses, Bit-by-Bit and a good Mexican dive on 11th Street. So, I had my goodbye with Mikey, as he's known in our house, but am so sorry circumstances won't allow Risa or me to attend the family gathering or funeral. Now it's your turn Adam and Cassie, to stand as the family leaders-----and please know I stand ready to assist you and/or Mary at the drop of a hat. In the meantime, and forever, may God bless the Lawrence family.”

September 21, 2017

Rhonda Jackson wrote a sympathy message

“Thank you for being my mentor.”