Lawrence Foreman

MIDDLEPORT — Lawrence B. Foreman, 92, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at his home in Middleport, Ohio

Born on Nov. 28, 1925, in West Columbia, West Virginia, Lawrence was the son of the late Lester and Joy Stewart Foreman.

He graduated from Wahama High School, Mason, West Virginia, in 1944 and immediately entered the U.S. Navy as a teenager to fight in World War II, where he served on USS LST863, LST922 and LSM254. He was awarded The Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, The Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal. His narratives concerning his experience in the Navy as a young frightened teenager entertained both friends and family.

Lawrence came back to West Columbia in 1946 and in December of 1950 he married Betty Lee who preceded him in death in 2010. They moved to Mason, had three sons and a daughter and he became active in their lives — he became a Scout Master for the Mason area and upon learning that Wahama was not an accredited High School, became part of a civic committee to obtain accreditation as he was determined that his children attend college.

In 1953 he and his brother-in-law Edgar Abbott decided to attend school and open a business Foreman and Abbott in Middleport. That business is still in operation today by members of the family.

On Feb. 10, 1980, he decided to follow a calling he had felt for many years and started The Rejoicing Life Church in Middleport, where he remained Pastor Emeritus until his death.

Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lester Foreman and a sister, Mary Ruth Thabet.

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife Rae; four children, Terry (Jane) of Colonial Beach, Va., Michael (Karen) of Evans, W.Va., Tom (Robin) of Macon, Ga., Robin (Jeff) Roberts of Glenville, W.Va.; two stepsons, Richard (Connie) Millard of Lexington, Ohio, and Mitchel (Rita) Millard of Louisville, Ky.; 21 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; and a special and beloved sister, Jane Abbott.

The Funeral Services for Lawrence will be at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Middleport, Saturday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. Calling Hours are Friday, Nov. 30, from 5-8:30 p.m.

His grandsons will be pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions many be made to Meigs County Senior Citizens, Rejoicing Life Church Middleport or Middleport Church of Christ.

A registry is available at www.andersonmdaniel.com.