Obituary of Gene Lawrence

Gene Leland Lawrence, 71, claimed the promise of the Resurrection on Monday, October 22, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lou and Roman Lawrence. Surviving are his wife, Jean Crews Lawrence; step sons, Chris and wife Michelle; Travis and wife Courtney, daughter; Ginger Harger; brother, O'Neal and wife Margaret and five very special grandchildren; Erin Jones, Crews Jones, Rhyann Jones, Layne Jones and Draven Harger. Leland grew up in Salem and worked at Gardner Denver, and later retired from Graham White Machine Shop in Salem, where he still worked two days a week until recently. Since retirement his hobby has been working to restore his 1969 Ford Pickup. Leland enjoyed his church family at Southview United Methoidst Church, and his family wants to thank all of them for the love and support they have given during his battle with cancer. In addition to his church family the family would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Mark Currie and the nurses at the Infusion Center for their many acts of kindness and compassion. Leland was a quiet and lovable person who was well respected by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Southview United Methodist Church or to the American Cancer Society. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2012 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by Pastor Larry Edmonds. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Simpson Funeral Home. 366-0707