John R. “Doc” Lawrence, Jr., loved practical jokes, plays on words, the Patriots (but only because they were coached by Bill Belichick), M-I-Z-Z-O-U, stumping others with trivia, and almost all kinds of music . . . but most of all, he loved his four daughters, five grandkids, and two great-grandkids.
A festive gathering in the true spirit of Doc will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, at Meyers Funeral Home in Parkville. The family will “meet and greet” from noon until 2:00, at which time Doc’s Celebration of Life will begin. Don your favorite sports apparel or concert T-shirt because that is what Doc would have wanted . . . for everyone to be comfortable and gearing up for a game, some good music, and lots of LOUD conversation.
The only son of John R. and Beulah M. (Rhoades) Lawrence, Sr., John was born Oct. 21, 1935, in Kansas City, MO. He attended McCoy Elementary School and graduated from East High School in 1953. After briefly attending the University of Kansas City, he enrolled in Cleveland College of Chiropractic from which he graduated in 1959. He began his practice in Independence before moving it to Smithville, MO, in 1967. He practiced in Smithville for nearly fifty years, first on Bridge Street and then at his current location on Main Street. He was formerly president of the Smithville Jaycees and a longtime member of the Smithville Kiwanis.
John passed peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 4. He was preceded in death by his parents, half-sisters Flossie Lawrence and Helen Lawrence, and sisters Helen Courtney, Virginia Dennis, Rita Williams, and Rose Gresham.
He is survived by daughters Valerie (Bob) Halas, Vanessa Lawrence, Kelly Shanks, and Kami (Russ) Hunter; grandchildren Brian (McKenzie) Simmons, Tyler Simmons, Matt Halas, Sydney Halas, and Kristal Hunter; great-grandchildren Mason Simmons and Penelope Simmons; sisters Mary Fawver Williams and Martha Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his ex-wife Ginger Lawrence with whom he shared more than 60 years of memories.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at St. Luke’s North Hospital-Barry Road, St. Luke’s North Hospital-Smithville, and the John Knox Village Care Center for all they did to bring comfort and joy not only to John but also to his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Stroke Foundation.
It is not how long a man lives, but how deep that life is. In your pain and sorrow remember he was a great man.
Dale De La Porte
Dear Lawrence Ladies, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My father and also my mom were patients of his for many years. We have always loved his sense of humor and his personality ! I remember visiting with your mother Ginger many times at the library and we would talk family talk. Valerie was in my class and she was so funny and so smart and I always enjoyed being around all you girls. My mother especially loved Her conversations with your father. She would give him such a hard time about so many things and he gave her a hard time about so many things and they loved it. He was a great hometown guy. May God give you peace during this difficult time . Sincerely, Shauna Martinez
Chet & family, Our sincere condolences go out to you & your family. May the happy fun filled memories comfort you during this time. May the examples of a life well lived follow you all as you fulfill the legacy left for you by your father. God bless you all, Kent & Marty
my deepest sympathy to your family Dr. Lawrence took care of my husband the late Jack Smith for a while he was a kind man
Velma Smith Harris and Family
I’m sending prayers up for the comfort, healing, and peace of Doctor Lawrence’s family. I pray that you might find these in your faith at this time of sadness. Only with the guidance of our Dear Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ can we find this inner peace. My prayers, thoughts, and heart go out to you in this time of need. Terri Holstrom
Valerie and family, I have loved hearing the stories about your father over the years. I know your heart is broken but in time I hope memories can bring you peace and a smile. Your VVHS family has everything covered, no worries at work-you do what you need to do to get through this time. We are all thinking about you.
Prayers for the family.
One of my favorite memories as a child- going to Royals games with my Dad, Doc and Jack Laforce. Doc made us all laugh so much the whole night. Still remember so clearly.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time. Doc, will be missed. We had many goodtalks, laughs, and even crying episodes. Shared different kinds of homemade goodies. And ya always had to get your eggs and vitamins. I have been going to doc for almost 40 yrs. I loved him like a dad. RIP DOC. janice; tk you for being there.