William V. "Papa" Lawrence, Sr.

William V. “Papa” Lawrence Sr. 66, of Sandwich passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013 at his residence in Sandwich. He was born March 16, 1947 in Norton, VA the son of William and Janet (Burgholzer) Lawrence. He was a US Marine Corp Veteran serving from 1964 to 1967 as a Corporal during the Vietnam War. Bill enjoyed coaching baseball, golf and was an avid bowler. His greatest joy was his family especially his grandchildren and their sporting events. He was employed by the Aurora Housing Authority and All Steel.

He is survived by his mother, Janet of Somonauk; one daughter, Melissa Lawrence Guzman of Somonauk; one son, William V. (Lisa DeMichael) Lawrence Jr. of Sandwich; nine grandchildren, Marissa, Sydney, Jordyn, Ryan, Tara, Nick, Chris, TJ and Alex; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jerry (Sheila) Lawrence of Soddy Daisy, TN, Rick (Bernice) Lawrence of Somonauk, and Bob (Sandy) Lawrence of Sandwich; one sister, Lisa (Todd) Powell of Troy Grove and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father William.

Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. on April 10, 2013 at the funeral home. A Freedom Ride will be conducted at a later date to entomb his ashes at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.