Donald Lawrence

Donald Lawrence, 59 passed away on May 12, 2016 at his home in Belle Plaine in the loving arms of his wife of 34 years. He had battled pancreatic cancer for over 20 months. Visitation will be 1-8 with the family to receive friends from 5-8 Monday, May 16, 2016 a Smith Mortuary, Derby. Funeral will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Belle Plaine. Donald was born December 15, 1956 in Wichita, Kansas to Alfred and Ermyl Lawrence. Don grew up in a large family of six in Wichita and started out young as an independent go-getter that had a variety of aspirations. He was considered a master of many trades that ranged from a greenhouse botanist, farmer, and a big rig truck driver. He worked for Boeing Aero systems as an expert mechanic along with numerous job titles for 36 years before retiring in 2015. Early on, Don’s first loves were working on cars, going on various fishing and hunting trips with his dad and siblings. His father taught him to love and cherish Mother Earth as he introduced to him to his Cherokee ancestry. This is where his desire to explore the great outdoors and connect to his past began. Experiencing creation was how he best connected with his Creator. What really defined Don was the inspiration that he received from the love of his life, Ronda Novak, whom he married on September 16, 1982, and his children Donavan and Cherie. He was considered a family man, driven to provide for his family above all else. One of his many passions he shared with his family was riding motorcycles. He could often be found on the open road, whether it be riding with his family and friends, or riding cross country enjoying the great outdoors. If he was not riding he would be sharing many of his other passions with his family; rebuilding classic cars and motorcycles with his son or daughter, taking camping trips, fishing, or traveling the world. He is survived by his wife Ronda Lawrence, his children, Donavan (Amanda) Lawrence, Cherie (Greg) Turner, and Jeremiah (Brandie) Pribble, his brother, Gary (Judy) Lawrence, and his sister, Nina (Gerard) Lubrano. He will be missed by many for his charisma as an amazing husband, father, brother, and friend. He is now with the Great Spirit suffering no more. Memorials have been establishd with National Pancreatic Foundation, PO Box 1848, Longmont, CO 80502.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

11:00 AM

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