My parents, Ed and Bertha Lawrence, lived by hard work, sacrifice, and compassion. In turn, they passed on values and a legacy that positively impacted the lives of others. The following is a synopsis of their shared life together.
My Dad was born in 1925 in Pineville, Louisiana, and grew up with his two brothers, sister, and Mom through the Depression. He joined the Navy during World War II, served in the South Pacific, and even witnessed the destruction at Pearl Harbor soon after it took place.
From his first marriage, Dad fathered four sons (including me). Later, in 1959, he married Bertha Goodwin. Together, they raised us four boys. Over the years, they adopted six more children, plus helped to raise a granddaughter. What a blessing it was that Dad was married to Bertha for 54 years, raising 11 children with remarkable selflessness and grace!
When we moved to Missouri, Mom taught us how to churn butter, milk cows, tend a garden, and work alongside one another. She helped drive the hay truck, pitched in on building the family home, and later showed the same work ethic when she and Dad owned and ran a dry cleaner’s and clothes washing business.
Dad was a jack of all trades: a mechanic, electrician, plumber, welder, and carpenter, to name a few. He could fix anything, and even after his blindness, he would give immediate help when his sons called. He also passed on his love of fishing and hunting. Some of my fondest memories were at Lake Pinnacle in High Hill, MO, where Dad and Bertha spent their semi-retirement years. Everyone was welcome. Dad was always ready with a fish story or a debate on the best way to catch one.
Mom and Dad’s final move was to Mountain View, MO, where many of her brothers and sisters lived. Mom loved to sew so much that she opened Bert’s Quilt Shop. She worked very hard and had many loyal returning customers. Dad spent many an hour at the kitchen table talking to family and friends. He loved conversation, and he adored Bertha.
It was a remarkable 54 years of marriage. In Mom’s last days, love was exemplified with all her children close by. In Dad’s last days, he missed Bertha very much, and he felt that he was still talking to her at the kitchen table.
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