Frederic K Lawrence

Fred was born in Nellie, Ohio, on April 27, 1936, to Robert and Edith Lawrence. He grew up surrounded by the love of his parents, aunts and grandparents. Spending summers at his grandmother’s house and driving his grandfather around the area (at 12 years old!) in his grandpa’s car were fond memories he shared with his children and grandchildren.

Fred attended Carroll High School in Fairfield County before entering the Marine Corps where he served for three years. He was then able to attend and graduate from The Ohio State University on the GI Bill where he received bachelor degrees in both education and psychology; he also obtained his master’s degree in education from OSU. He then went on to pursue his PhD from OSU in school psychology, completing it in 1975. After finishing his doctorate he served special education students and their families with excellence for 27 years, beginning as a school psychologist for Franklin County and then with Grandview Heights Schools, where he also served as Director of Pupil Services. After retirement Fred worked as Chief Special Education Consultant for SchoolMatch, and as a testifying expert in matters related to standards of care in youth-serving-organizations.

Fred met the love of his life, Jerri Williams Lawrence, at OSU in the fall of 1958, and they married in 1960. Fred and Jerri lovingly raised Kathy (Israel) and Tim. He loved supporting his children in their sports and school activities when they were young and later in their marriages to spouses Tim Israel and Amy Lawrence. Both Fred and Jerri enjoyed planning family camping trips each year and racing their Interlake sailboat on Hoover Reservoir in Westerville and around the state. Fred served as Commodore of the Hoover Sailing Club for a year.

Fred never missed his grandchildren’s activities. He became a huge Columbus Crew fan and was excited to see them win their third championship in 2023; he reviewed the highlights often! During retirement, he and Jerri went on several adventures sailing their F27 trimaran sailboat on the North Channel in Ontario, Canada, and around the Florida Keys. They visited Great Britain twice and enjoyed many spring trips to Singer Island, FL.

Fred is preceded in death by his mother, Edith, father, Robert, and sister, Faith. In addition to Jerri, his children and their spouses, Fred is also survived by loving sister-in-law, Kay Williams of New York City, sister, Ellen Lawrence of Logan, and sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Rick Kern of Bowling Green, OH, 6 grandchildren: Holly Rector (Ethan), Dan Israel (Cassie), Chris Israel (TJ), Katy Dulgar (Casey), Jake Lawrence (Elena Grundy) and Maggie Lawrence. He leaves behind 8 great-grandchildren: Calista and Evander Rector, Henry, Eden and Margot Israel, Norah and Adler Israel and Wyatt Dulgar.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at The Landings of Westerville for their kindness, attention and compassionate care during Fred’s stay.

There will be a visitation on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Advantage by Schoedinger North, 5554 Karl Road, Columbus, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The American Heart Association, www.heart.org/en/affiliates/ohio.