Patrick Lawrence

Patrick "Pat" Donald Frederick Lawrence, 72, passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, Illinois, on Sunday, with family at his side. A native of Seattle, Washington, Pat developed a love for playing and following sports, especially baseball, from a young age. He found belonging and camaraderie in athletics and excelled as a starting pitcher at Nathan Hale High School. Equally as gifted in the classroom and musically, Pat attended Washington State University and later Asuza Pacific University, where he played baseball as well as the upright bass in the college jazz band. While in college, Pat experienced the transformative power of accepting and knowing Jesus Christ and began his lifelong faith journey. Soon after, he started a career in hospital administration, with positions landing him-and his young family-firmly in the Midwest. Above all else, Pat was a loving and supportive father to his three children. One of his greatest joys was teaching and coaching his kids in their pursuits-athletic, scholastic, or musical-and being their #1, loudest fan. He also loved planning outings for his family, from dinner at a methodically-researched restaurant to a weekend getaway that happened to coincide with a ball game or card show. Pat was passionate about sports memorabilia, with an encyclopedic knowledge (and inventory) of vintage baseball, football, and basketball collections. Later in his career, Pat traveled internationally in his role and had the opportunity to see the world-Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Though only fluent in English, Pat always found common ground and never knew a stranger. While his health allowed, he enjoyed keeping in touch with longtime friends and teammates. Pat's memory will live on in his family and friends through his enthusiastic storytelling, his witticism and knack for nicknaming, and through the sound of the crack of a bat and pop of a glove. Pat was preceded in death by his late wife Barbara (Boganey) Lawrence, Oak Lawn, IL; his father, Donald G. Lawrence and mother Jane (Evans) Lawrence, of Seattle, WA. He is survived by his brother, Peter (Tara) Lawrence of Seattle, WA, and two nieces and one nephew. Pat married Marilyn (Pugh) Meier in 1977, and she and their children Ashley (Tim) Lawrence Pellegrini of Savoy, IL, John (Coleen) Lawrence of St. Augustine, FL, and Ben (Sarah) Lawrence of Lisbon, IL survive. Pat leaves behind seven grandchildren. Visitation for Patrick will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at UC Davis-Callahan Funeral Home in Morris, IL, with a service directly following at noon.