John H. Lawrence

LAWRENCEJohn H., Esq. John H. Lawrence, age 58, found his place with the angels on January 8, 2007, after a two-year battle with cancer. As a young man, John began his first career as a dock worker at Roadway Express, where he also acted as a union steward. After injuring his back, John decided to pursue his life-long dream of becoming a lawyer. With a growing family, John felt the pressure to obtain his bachelor's degree quickly. He managed to tweak the system; taking 36 credit hours for two consecutive semesters while still graduating with honors. He continued on to receive his juris doctor from the University of Toledo in 1981, where he acted as an editor on law review. John had a noble, yet colorful, career as a criminal defense attorney. In 1992, he was jailed for refusing to testify against his client. After many appeals, his zealous advocacy of the attorney-client privilege was ultimately upheld by the Ohio Supreme Court. John maintained his law practice until just a few weeks ago. He will best be remembered by the legal community for his unorthodox appearance and eccentric courtroom etiquette, which included Mickey Mouse ties and an off-beat sense of humor. He will best be remembered by his clients not only for his legal competence, but also for his generosity and genuine interest in their welfare long after their cases were over. He was a friend to many. He will best be remembered by his family as their unwavering strength. John was truly unique. He was the driving force in all our lives. His outrageous sense of humor made us laugh hysterically at times, and cringe with embarrassment at others. He was generous to a fault, if such a trait exists. We will always cherish our numerous trips to Disney World with our favorite host and tour guide. His passion and depth of character will be his greatest legacies to us. John was preceded in death by his parents, Warren Lawrence and Margaret Miller and step-father, Kenneth Miller. He is also preceded in death by his best friend, Tim Connors. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving wife of ten years, Susan Lawrence; children, Marnie, Johnney, and Allison Lawrence; stepchildren, Eric Allison Sitter and Angela Nick Stein; grandchildren, Anthony, Johnney, Justice and Josie Lawrence, Madison and Grace Sitter and Dominick and his soon-to-be-born new brother or sister. John is also survived by his sister Margaret "Peggy" Richard Heckel; brothers Gilbert Doreen , Warren Dana and Grant Gloria Lawrence; stepbrothers, Jerry, Terry Susan , and Larry Beverly Miller and stepsisters, Mary Ellen Miller and Christine Tim Meisner; half-sisters, Christina Pryka and Mary Ann Lawrence and half-brother Christopher Lawrence and many special nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Tom and Sue Cater and Sonia Connors for their loving support during this difficult time. Family and friends may visit on Thursday and Friday from 2-8 p.m. in the Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114-128 East Alexis Rd., where a Scripture service will be held Friday at 7 p.m. Funeral services will begin Saturday at 9 30 a.m. in the funeral home and continue with the Funeral Mass at 10 00 a.m. in St. Clement Catholic Church. Interment Toledo Memorial Park. The family requests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. Please view and sign the guest book at www.sujkowskifh.com