Kenneth Alan Lawrence

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Kenneth Alan Lawrence, 53, passed away on Thursday (Oct. 15, 2009) at his home in Phoenix, Ariz. He left this life peacefully after enduring lung cancer and pneumonia.

Born in Delaware on Nov. 17, 1955 to Don Rufus Lawrence, Jr. (deceased) and Helen Louise (Haas) Lawrence. Kenny’s life was one of service to his family and community, through which he showed his connection to God. A graduate of Hayes High School in Delaware, and with two years of study at the Ohio State University, he worked in a variety of manufacturing settings as an engineering test technician, machinist, aircraft assembler, tile grinding lead person and composite materials mechanical technician. He concluded his career as the founder and owner of Therapy Wood Works, LLC, where he designed and built custom wood therapy equipment for children with developmental disabilities. Inspired by his role as father and caregiver to his daughter with developmental disabilities, he felt called to help others. Blessed with a soulful tenor voice, Kenny sang throughout his days as he worked. He was an avid runner, hiker and outdoor enthusiast and was admired by his many friends for his healthful lifestyle and positive attitude. Kenny always had a twinkle in his eyes, a ready smile and a helping hand.

Kenny is survived by his wife Jennifer Allison (Hartfield) Lawrence, formerly of Springfield, Mass.; son Daniel Kendrick; daughter Bethany Mae; mother Helen of Piqua; sisters Linda Kay Baker (husband Gregory) of Piqua and Deborah Ann Blackston (husband James) of Columbus; nieces Kristi Lauranne Teeters (husband Micah) of Fletcher and Kari Michelle Smith (husband Christopher) of Chesapeake, Va.; four great nephews and one great niece.

Two memorial services will be held, the first in Phoenix, Ariz. at 2:30 p.m on Sunday, Nov. 1 at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, and the second in Delaware at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Jungle Gym. Kenny’s ashes will be scattered in Flagstaff, Ariz., the place that captured his heart long ago and where he wished to live out his life with his family.

Please consider a donation in Kenny’s name to the Friends of Northern Arizona Forests, PO Box 3041, Flagstaff, AZ 86003-3041, friendsofnazforests.org/home. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary, (480) 945-9521.