Donald Edward Lawrence Sr.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Edward Lawrence, Sr., born on March 15,1931, in Jacksonville, Texas to Jesse Edward Lawrence and Maudine Laird Lawrence. Survived by his loving wife of 67 years who he was loyal and devoted to, Marilyn Bagley Lawrence. After a short illness, Don entered eternal rest on September 14, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Those that were fortunate enough to know Don could easily see he was a man of God and his family was everything to him. He was the "rock" of the family. He was a man of strong faith and longtime member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA. He had 5 children - Donald Edward Lawrence, Jr., (Earlyn Baron Lawrence), Tami Lawrence Kessler (Kerry John Kessler), Kathleen Lawrence Berni (the late Raymond Berni), the late Brenda Lawrence, The late Lisa Lawrence; 7 grandchildren – Donald Edward Lawrence, III., (Emily Pirch Lawrence), Nicole Lawrence Wetwiski (Sean Westwiski), Jessica Lawrence Karns (Benjamin Karns), Kirk Kessler (Brittany Hebert Kessler), Kyle Kessler, Erica Berni Dysart (Chris Dysart), Erin Berni; and 11 great grandchildren - Donald Edward Lawrence, IV., Adelaide Lawrence, Madeline Lawrence, Bennett Lawrence, Tyler Wetwiski, Bryce Wetwiski, Randi Karns, Rylee Karns, Renly Karns, Gracyn Dysart, and Baby Kessler coming Oct 2021. Survived by his brother, Jack Delbert Lawrence, and preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Lawrence Rutherford. He moved to New Orleans in 1941, attended Metairie High School where he was an active member of the football, baseball, and track teams, as well as a member of the Key Club. Following graduation, he attended LSU and was employed by Humble Oil (Esso / Exxon) for 34 years and retired from Exxon in 1986 as Drilling Technician Supervisor. He was an avid outdoorsman, he loved camping, hunting, fishing, golf, running, waterskiing, and loved to volunteer to help those in need. He joined Kiwanis Dawn Busters in 1987 where he served as multiple Committee Chairs and was Distinguished President, 1991-92, Distinguished Lieutenant Governor 1999-2000, District Interclub Chairman, Advisor for East Jefferson High School Key Club, Kiwanian of the Year 1993 and "Hixon" in 1997. He was still an active member in 2021. He participated in many fundraisers for the club such as the annual Turkey Fry, and Pancake Breakfast, as well as the fishing trip for under privileged children. He was also an active member and officer of the Exxon Annuitant Club. Visitation will be held at Leitz Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 9AM, the funeral service will begin at 11AM. Burial will be private at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans. To share condolences and memories with the family please visit www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com.