Deacon Lawrence Tobar

Today we celebrate the life of our Patriarch Lawrence Tobar. As the Patriarch, he was many things to all people. Whether he was called "Daddy, Lawrence, PawPaw, Uncle Lawrence, or Mr. Tobar, he loved everyone just the same.
Lawrence was born September 23rd, 1937 in Marianna, Arkansas to the late William and Cora Tobar as their 3rd child. Lawrence was raised by his Grandmother Melissa and his 2nd Mother Eva Tobar, who embraced him as her own. He shared a special bond with his siblings: Willie, Charlie, David, John Henry, Lenora Young, and Aaron, known as the OT's, who preceded him in death, along with his parents. He grew up with a loving extended family, including siblings Louise, Steve, Eloise, Lenora, Ethel Mae, Jerry, Luella, Lucille. Among them, his two younger brothers, Walter (Pap) and Sammy, held a special place in his heart.
Lawrence was a faithful member at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. As the longest living church member, he had many roles including: Deacon, Trustee, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher. He took great joy in teaching Sunday school and attending services faithfully until his health prevented him.
On December 23rd 1959, Lawrence married the love of his life, Dicie Tobar for 59 years. To this union seven children were born. Growing up, Education was very important to both Dicie and Lawrence. They were very proud to have all of their children attend college and/or have careers in the military. They pushed their grandchildren and great grandchildren to do the same and made it a priority to attend events for their scholastic achievements, concerts, sports games, and milestone events.
Before medically retiring, Lawrence worked as a skilled mason with Laws Construction, contributing to many of Forrest City's notable buildings. After becoming disabled, he transitioned into a fulltime stay at home grandad, where he raised and cared for his grandchildren, teaching them to cook, garden and sharing the Word of God. He also introduced them to his favorite pastimes-Oprah, Jerry Springer, and WWE Wrestling.
In his golden years, Lawrence could often be found walking and exercising all around Forrest City, (it was nothing for him to walk 2 miles a day) collecting cans, fishing with Dicie, or chatting at Walmart on the front bench. He loved his dogs, and we joked that they ate just as well as we did. His tight fist on his money was legendary, so if he gave you any money or trusted you with his paperwork that was a big deal! He looked forward to her calls and visits from his family and friends, and especially his nieces and nephews.
Lawrence was called to eternal rest and received his wings on January 7th, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife Dicie, and grandsons Dominique and Vermon, He leaves to cherish in his memory children: Harmon, Vernon, Lora, Larry (Brenda-Lee) Brenda, Velma (Reggie) McCoy, and Melvin, Siblings: Lenora, Ethel Mae, Lucille, Jerry and Sammy, One sister in law, Corrine Williams and a special nephews Freddie Young, Mark Porter and Donald Ray Mays. A highlight of 18 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren and host of nieces and nephews, which he loved and adored.
Grandkids: Brandi Montgomery Riggins, Latoria Tobar, Leon Tobar, Toni Tobar, Ashley Montgomery, Reginald McCoy, Larry Tobar Jr., Ebony Pollard, Quinton McCoy, Jasmine Tobar, Franklin Tobar, Brittany Tobar, Marshall Tobar, Cogic Jackson, Sidney McCoy, McKayla Tobar
In Memoriam: Vermon Byrd, Dominique Tobar
Great Grandkids: Ariana Montgomery, Xavier Hardrick, Madison Montgomery, Kylon Hardrick, Harmoni Riggins, Amaiya Clay, Nickolas Riggins, Taveon Tobar, Kennedy Tobar, Landon Scott, Kamari Pollard, Ka'Mya Tobar, Ka'Lia Tobar, Malachi Huffman, Adysen McCoy, Presley McCoy, Quinton McCoy Jr., Peyton Tobar, Braxton Riggins
Great-Great Grandkids: Peyton Tobar, Mason Montgomery, Micah Fuller, Liliana Hardrick, Zy'keir Scott