William Edlia Lawrence, (Ed), as everyone knew him, passed away on Sunday, June 2.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Church of God in Nowata at 2pm on Friday June 7th. Interment will be at Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery.

Ed was born on October 10, 1949 to Bill and Betty (Ames) Lawrence in Nowata. He was born on the one-year anniversary of the New Nowata Hospital. Growing up Ed enjoyed riding horses, roping and playing football but he loved his "fishin". Ed graduated High school in 1967. He was "Hostile and Agile, Lean and Mean" enough to be picked for Allstate. Ed went on to play a semester of College Football. On April 26, 1969 Ed married Marie Barbee. From that union, was born 2 children, Amy and Bert. 17 years later they were divorced. Later, he was married to Cecilia Sutherlin for several years. Ed worked for Nowata Publishing for over 15 years.

Ed is survived by his Mama, Betty Lawrence of the home, his daughter Amy Reeder of Nowata, and his Son Bert Lawrence and Wife Laura of Delaware, and their families, 3 Sisters, Betty Ann Johnson and Husband Johnny of Bixby, Mary Jo Victory and Husband Bill of Chelsea, Virginia Hamilton and Husband Hank of Dewey. 2 Grandchildren, Jarred West of Nowata and Sarah Lawrence of Delaware. 2 special helpers and friends Michael Reeder and Frank Smart both of Nowata, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Ed is preceded in death by his father Bill Lawrence of Nowata, and his Granddaughter Jeanann West of Nowata.