William Paul Lawrence

William “Bill” Lawrence, 94, of Washington, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025.

He will be fondly remembered for his wit and outgoing friendliness; and for a long life well lived despite his difficult early years.

Bill was born January 11, 1931, in Canonsburg, the son of the late Belford Russel Lawrence and Zelma Lorena Arnold Lawrence.

At age 9, he entered the Scotland School for Veteran’s Children near Chambersburg after his parents’ deaths. The state-run school was closed in 2009.

During the Korean War, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, continuing the family history of service with father (Army WWI -POW Germany), brother (career Air Force) and son (Army).

On September 26, 1953, he married the love of his life, Shirley Mae Kinder, in Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church. They were both lifetime members and sang in the choir, often performing solos and at weddings and special occasions. She passed away June 28, 2010.

He loved working with his hands and watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Wild Things, and all other local sports teams, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and all the wonderful friends he made over a lifetime.

Bill was employed by B.F. Drakenfeld, Superior Valve and retired from Bell Telephone after over 25 years of service.

Surviving are two sons, Dr. Steven Lawrence of Denver, Colorado, and Keith Lawrence and wife Denise Hensler Lawrence of McMurray; two grandchildren, Sean and Mike Lawrence; a niece, Janice Baker of Middletown, Connecticut; and grand-nieces Dr. Janna Baker Rodgers and husband Robert Rogers of Morgantown, West Virginia and Julie Baker Dickinson and husband Tom Dickinson of Middlefield, Connecticut.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by a brother, Belford “Russell” Lawrence.

Family and friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2025. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Washington PA Humane society, where he spent many days volunteering.