Dr. Forrest C. Lawrence, age 90, a resident of Bartlesville, passed away on Friday September 14, 2007 in the Jane Phillips Hospital. Dr. Lawrence was born on August 27, 1917 to Charles Lawrence and Ora (Wright) Lawrence at Bradleyville, Missouri. Forrest grew up in Springfield, Missouri, attended SW Missouri State University, and graduated Medical School at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After his medical internship, he served in Europe during WW II as an army battlefield surgeon with the 14th Tank Battalion. He served in the historic Battle of the Bulge, received a battlefield promotion to Captain, and was awarded the Bronze Star. Prior to serving his country, he met and married Stella Samartino in St. Louis. Dr. Lawrence returned to St. Louis following WW II for a surgery residence at Barnes Hospital. Forrest and Stella moved to Bartlesville in 1947 where they raised three children. He practiced medicine there for 35 years until his retirement in 1984. Stella passed away in 1993 and Dr. Lawrence married Carolyn Warren in 1994 in Bartlesville, where they made their home. Dr. Lawrence's hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing, playing Gin Rummy and telling stories. He loved his family dearly and had a simple approach to life, he didn't worry and always stayed interested in people and the world around him. Dr. Lawrence is survived by his wife Carolyn Lawrence, his children Susan Tinker and her husband Bill of Kansas City, Dr. Charles Lawrence of Enid, and Dr. Forrest Lawrence and his wife Kathy of Oklahoma City. He had nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his first wife Stella Lawrence, his parents Charles Lawrence and Ora (Wright) Lawrence. Honorary Pallbearers include Joe Hardin, Gene Bonnell, Charlie Martin, Harry Brookby, Cliff Nesselrode, Dick Kane, Charlie Johnson and Tony Lynn. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday September 18, 2007, in the St. Luke's Episcopal Church with The Reverend Dr. T. Lee Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors accorded Dr. Lawrence by the James T. Teel American Legion Post 105 Honor Guard. Services are under the direction of the Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donor's charity of choice.
Service Details
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007 10:00am, St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Interment Details
Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville