Lawrence R. Smith

Service Time: 11:00 A.M.
Day and Date: Friday, August 8, 2008
Location: Graveside Service at Prarie Lawn Cemetery - Gorham, Kansas
Visitation and Guest Book Registration: 9 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.
Burial: Prarie Lawn Cemetery - Gorham, Kansas
Memorials: Wheatland Nursing Center - Russell, Kansas

Lawrence Robert Smith , 93, of Russell died Monday, August 4, 2008 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell. Lawrence was born December 16, 1914 on the family farm south of Gorham. He grew up in the Gorham area and attended country schools. He graduated from Russell High School in 1932.

Lawrence farmed the land south of Gorham most all of his life. He did serve his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was mainly stationed at Norfolk , Virginia where he was involved with the Army Band. After the war he returned to Gorham and continued to farm.

Lawrence was united in marriage to Cleta Pratt on May 8, 1960 in Hays. She preceded him in death on June 2, 1977. He was united in marriage to Dorothy White in 1982. She preceded him in 1991. He then was united in marriage to Norma Corenne Bumgardner on April 6, 1991 in Russell. She preceded him on June 8, 1991.

Lawrence was a member of the Gorham Community Church . He also belonged to the Russell Masonic Lodge, the Russell Chapter of the Eastern Star and the Russell American Legion Post #99. He was a soft spoken man with a tender heart. He enjoyed reading, especially westerns and history books, and band music.

His surviving family includes his brother, Bill Smith and wife Arlene of Hoxie , Kansas ; nieces and nephews; and special neighbors the J.W. Schmitt family. He was preceded in death by his parents, three wives, three brothers and one sister.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 8, 2008 at Prairie Lawn Cemetery west of Gorham, Rev. Jim Alexander will be officiating the service. The Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 will be conducting Military Rites. The local Order of the Eastern Star will also be conducting burial rites.  Visitation will be 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday, August 7, 2008. Memorials have been established with Wheatland Nursing Center of Russell and South Wind Hospice. Contributions and condolences may be left with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who are in charge of these arrangements. Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com .