Michael Dean "Buck" Lawrence Sr.

Michael Dean "Buck" Lawrence Sr., 66, of New Bloomfield, passed away peacefully at his home after a valiant battle with cancer on September 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 12, 1959, Buck was the beloved son of the late Clyde and Eunice (Whittecar) Lawrence.

Buck was united in marriage to Lori Werdehausen on March 23, 1985. Forty years she stood and often worked by his side through the ups and downs overcoming each challenge life threw their way. Together, they built a family and life they were proud of. Buck was always boasting about the meals his wife put on the tables for his family and friends with pride.

He was a 1978 graduate of Fulton High School. With the love of farming and hard work ensued into him at a young age from his parents, Buck lived to work and then work some more. Along with his family by his side Buck traveled around the United States where he was a skillful pipeline welder with the Local 798. He also owned and operated a landscaping and trucking business.

In the moments he wasn't working you could find him napping in his recliner, riding horses with his children and grandchildren, and having a good old-fashioned conversation on his cell phone. Buck was a man of many talents. He enjoyed combining fescue seed, running heavy equipment and farming. In his younger years Buck enjoyed 4-H, showing cattle, competing in the rodeo and covering almost every square mile of Callaway County coon hunting. He had a love for auctions and tools and would never pass up a good deal or meal.

Buck never met a stranger, even if he did, they didn't stay strangers for long. With a gift for gab, he made everyone feel welcome. Oh, the stories that could be told - some of which his momma may have a lecture waiting for him in heaven.

Buck had a well lived life and a strong faith in the Lord.

Buck will be deeply missed by his wife, Lori; his daughters, Lindsey (Luke) Ruppel of Mokane, Alecia Lawrence of Fulton; son, Mikey Lawrence of Fulton; two wonderful grandsons Layton and Lawrence Ruppel; sister, Deawne (Mark) Maddox of Peyton, Co, and mother in-law Leona Werdehausen of Holts Summit, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Eunice, father in-law John Werdehausen, grandsons Leroy and Cotton Ruppel, brother in-law Randy Werdehausen.

The family is thankful for the medical team who cared for Buck through his battle with cancer. Thank you to the friends, family, and friends who are like family that helped keep a smile on his face, offered words of encouragement, prayers and helped upkeep the farm and crops. Buck was the ultimate fighter. His fight is now done and may he enjoy his heavenly reward.

Memorial services will be held at Maupin Funeral Home on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Mike Crowson officiating. Visitation will be held at Maupin Funeral Home on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Maupin Funeral Home for the family to donate to a charity of their choice.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com