John Lawrence

Biography

John M. Lawrence
1948-2015

Monson - John M. "Jack" "Papa" Lawrence, 66, of Main St. died Monday September 7th 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born in Marietta, OH to Mary E. Cummins and the late John W. Lawrence. He graduated from Marietta College in 1970 and also earned his MBA from Western New England University. Jack served his country in the Army from 1970-1972. He was a decades long production manager for Spalding Sports Worldwide in Chicopee, MA. Jack was an active basketball player and coach. He was heavily involved in the community with many years of service with Cursillo, the REC prison ministry program, and the Monson Lions.

An industrious craftsman, Jack stayed active into his retirement. He founded an artisanal wood carving business "The Giraffe Factory". He also was a school bus driver; Monson students and athletes often requested him for his willingness to drive extra after school charters to games and events. A certified SCUBA diver and CrossFit enthusiast, Jack loved to stay active.

Jack leaves his fiancé©e Pamela Slagle; a daughter Jacqueline Ladew and her husband Richard of Monson; a son Jonathan Lawrence of Woburn, MA; a sister Mary Kathryn Shober and her husband David of Beaver Creek, OH; brother-in-law Leroy Geyer of Grove City, OH; three granddaughters Madeline and Katherine Ladew, and Olivia Lawrence; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Sister Lynn Geyer, wife Mary Lawrence, and son Sean Lawrence predeceased Jack.

Visiting Hours will be held Friday, September 11, 2015 from 5-8pm in Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson. A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 10am in the funeral home. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to REC Prison Ministry 221 Plumtree Rd Springfield, MA 01118