Larry Martin Lawrence of Leslie, MO passed from this life on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the age of 73 years.  Larry was born on July 13, 1950 in Syracuse, NY to Nick Lawrence and his wife, Emma (Cogan).  He attended South Onondaga High School before graduating in 1968, then furthered his education and earned his bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. Larry was very musically talented and in his early years, he learned guitar, acoustic and steel, as well as bass saxophone.  He was united in marriage to Jane (Tisdale) on July 28, 1973 and the couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  Larry worked in the food industry and sporting goods industry before entering the ministry.  He was a Minister in the Church of the Nazarene in New York from 1993 until 2006.  He then ministered in North Carolina until his retirement in 2016, before moving to Worship Leader for the Word of Life Church of the Nazarene in Union until October 2022. Larry enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking.  He also loved writing and was the author of five published books.  The time Larry cherished most was the time spent with his family and friends, and he will be profoundly missed.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Emma Lawrence.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Lawrence of Leslie; five children: Jessica Mahan and husband Nik of CO, Kathleen Harris and husband Kevin of NC, Paul Lawrence and fiancée Phyllis Major of MO, Rebecca Lawrence and partner Kyle Brant of NY, and Andrew Lawrence and wife Kayla of MO; one sister, Linda DiMarchie and husband Rick of NY; sixteen grandchildren: Zachary, Christopher, Allyssa, Liam, Amelia, Anthony, Jameson, Collin, Layden, Jazmyn, Kaidyn, Elizabeth, Lilly, Stephanie, Macie, and Brayden; three great-grandchildren: Hope, Brantley, and Lucy; three nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials in honor of Larry Lawrence can be made to the Church of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM.org   click 'Give Now' in the top right corner).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:30 AM at the Word of Life Church of the Nazarene in Union, MO.