Francis E. Lawrence

Francis E. Lawrence, 88, of Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA and formerly of Wakefield Street, West Warwick, RI, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2015 at Alpine Nursing Home, Coventry, RI. Born in West Warwick, RI, he was the husband of the late Fay (Parenty) Lawrence and the son of the late Walter and Minnie (Rogers) Lawrence.

He was the owner and operator of Deacon Services of West Warwick, RI, for fifty-six years until retiring in 1987. He was an automotive repair and auto body proprietor and a teacher at East Providence Vocational High School until retiring in 1987.

He belonged to the Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, Pawtuxet Valley Chamber of Commerce, he was the Scout Master of Troop 1, Phenix, the former Air Raid Warden of the Village of Lippitt and a firefighter for Riverpoint and West Warwick Fire Departments.

He is survived by two sons; Mark Lawrence and Mark Knipstein, two daughters; Frances Ducharme and Ellyn Seltzer, two brothers; Walter Lawrence and Everett Lawrence, one sister; Nancy Briggs and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother; Norman Lawrence.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 10:00 am in the Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, 604 Seven Mile Road, Hope, RI. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm in the Gorton-Menard Funeral Home & Crematory, 721 Washington St., Coventry, RI. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to; Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, 604 Seven Mile Road, Hope, RI.

For online condolences please visit www.gortonmenardfuneralhome.com

 Service Information