Robert “Bob” Lawrence, 92, Carthage, Mo., passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital, Carthage, Mo.

Robert Lawrence was born Nov. 21, 1916, in Joplin, Mo., the son of Walter C. Lawrence and Ruby Reynolds Lawrence. He grew up and attended public schools in Baxter Springs, Kan., graduating from Baxter Springs High School in 1935. He attended Junior College in Coffeyville, Kan.

Mr. Lawrence was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during WWII and the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He married Virginia Ruth Griffin on June 5, 1938.  She preceded him in death on Nov. 25, 2001.  He married Muriel Hensler Hokanson on July 1, 1977. She preceded him in death.

Mr. Lawrence was employed by the Prudential Insurance Company as a salesman and sales manager, working in Webb City, Mo., Carthage, Mo., Little Rock, Ark., and Junction City, Kan., for 22 years. He served as a regional sales manager for Great Commonwealth Insurance Company of Dallas, Texas. He was the founder and president of World Heritage Insurance Company, Memphis, Tenn. He owned and operated Lawrence Insurance Agency in Carthage and Joplin, Mo., from 1967 to 1977. He moved to Rogers, Ark., in 1978 and worked in real estate, selling commercial and business properties until his retirement in 1997 at the age of 80.

Mr. Lawrence was a former member of the First United Methodist, Carthage, serving on the building committee for the new sanctuary construction. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Rogers, Ark., where he served in many activities of the church. 

Mr. Lawrence was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Hella Temple Shrine Club, Dallas, Texas. He loved to dance, travel and spend time with his very best friend, Alta Gulon, Rogers, Ark.

To all of his friends, Bob was a very special caregiver, and he was a devoted Dad and Grandad to his family.

Survivors include his best friend, Alta Gulon, Rogers, Ark; two sons, Mike Lawrence and wife, Rayma, Carthage; Pat Lawrence and wife, Peggy, Arlington, Texas; one sister, Helen Shafer, Joplin; one brother, Clifford “Cliff” Lawrence, Paola, Kan.; six grandchildren: Melynne Ryder and husband, Joe, Carthage; Scott Lawrence and wife, Melanie, Leawood, Kan.;  Brittany Brown and husband, Curt, Olathe, Kan.; Meghan Lawrence, Carthage; Ryan Yeager and husband, Todd, Boston, Mass.; and Matthew Lawrence, Arlington, Texas; and nine great-grandchildren: Anna and Jack Ryder; Brock, Macie and Cade Lawrence; Grant, Emily and Ellie Brown; and Brenda Lawrence.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Geneva Cassell and one brother, Gerald Lawrence.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church, 307 Elm, Rogers, Ark.  Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Stone Cemetery, Carthage, Mo. (Junction Hwy 59 and County Road FF (JR'S Western Wear), go West 2 miles to County Road 160, turn North on County Road 160 and go one-quarter mile to cemetery). Rev. David Bentley, First United Methodist Church, Rogers, will officiate at the funeral service. Rev. Bob Holman, Round Grove Baptist Church, will officiate at the graveside service.

Memorial gifts are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital in care of Knell Mortuary, 308 West Chestnut, Carthage, Mo., 64836. 

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Knell Mortuary, Carthage, Mo.