David W. Lawrence, of Western Springs, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday July 1^st with his family by his side.

 

David William Lawrence was born on February 3, 1932 to Helen (Cannady) Lawrence and Howard Lawrence in Danville, Illinois.  He lost his father shortly thereafter, and his upbringing through the Depression and war years by a determined single mother helped forge his strong work ethic.  Dave earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Danville High School in 1950.  That same year, he met the love of his life, Ann Fisher of Ohio, at a Methodist church camp in Indiana.  He pursued her across the country and even the Atlantic Ocean for seven years before marrying her on October 26, 1957.

 

Dave worked and attended University of Illinois in Champaign before being drafted into the U.S. Army.  He served from 1953 – 1954, including time in Naples, Italy.  Many will remember the secret pizza recipe he brought back from Italy, which was made for many special occasions.  After his service, he returned to the U of I to complete his degree in business in 1957.

 

Dave joined the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as an industrial rubber salesman.  The day after he married Ann, they headed for his first territory assignment in Lincoln, NE.  Son David was born there a year later.  They were transferred to Cedar Rapids, IA in 1961, where daughter Lisa was born.  In 1967, he assumed a management position in Mount Prospect, IL, where he first became acquainted with Gooding Rubber Company in LaGrange.  He moved to Western Springs and joined Gooding as Executive Vice President in 1969.  He assumed the reins of the company when founder Bob Gooding retired several years later, and led it until stepping down in 1993.  He loved GRCO so much that he continued to work there part-time well into his 70s.

 

During his working years, Dave was active in several trade organizations, including NIBA and the Dirty Dozen.  In retirement, he enjoyed learning about and supporting the U.S. military through the Defense Orientation Conference Association.  Serving on boards and attending conventions meshed well with his love of travel.  Dave visited all 7 continents and took many cruises with Ann.  The Greenbrier in West Virginia was a favored destination for family celebrations.  On his 65^th birthday, he, Ann & Lisa bought their second home in the woods of the Eagle Ridge Territory in Galena.  It became one of their favorite places to relax as well as the site of many Thanksgiving dinners.

 

Dave was also active in his community.  He served as a Trustee of the Village of Western Springs from 1987-1991, then became Village President from 1993-1997.  He was proud that the town’s Recreation Center came to fruition during his term of office.  Dave was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Western Springs, where he faithfully sang in the choir.  After retirement, he helped in the church office, paying bills and preparing the weekly bulletins.

 

Dave’s home-away-from-home was the LaGrange Country Club.  Although he loved to golf there, his favorite activity was playing gin rummy in the 19^th hole most weekday lunches.  Dave was proud to be a 4-time Club Gin Rummy Champion.

 

Dave was pre-deceased by his parents; in-laws Frank & Frances Fisher; and beloved uncles John Cannady and Harry Lawrence.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann; his children: David William Lawrence Jr. (Shelly) of Great Falls, VA and Lisa Coffman (John) of Polo, IL; and grandson David William Lawrence III (Madeline Britvec) of Washington, DC.

 

Special thanks to Dr. John Liu for his monthly house call visits and caregivers Reggie, Roman and Eric, all of whom made it possible for Dave to live out his days in his beloved Western Springs home with Ann.

 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the charity of your choice.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside at 708-352-6500.