Obituary of Therlo LAWRENCE

Therlo William Lawrence passed away December 9, 2007 in Lake Havasu City, AZ at the age of 88. He was born to Therlo and Gladys (Dolby) Lawrence on August 29, 1919 in Ypsilanti, MI where he was raised by his father and step-mother, Pearl Gibbs Lawrence.Therlo served his country proudly under the direction of the United State Navy during World War II. He worked as an mechanical engineer for divisions of Ford in Michigan and California for 37 years.. As an engineer and inventor he made a gift to mankind when he invented the combination exchanger and bubble trap, the first heart-lung machine in this country in 1959.Therlo was a kind and loving man who wanted to be remembered for being a good husband, father, grandfather and friend to all people and animals. He had been a member of several Lutheran churches in Michigan and California. In retirement he and Helen loved fishing and traveling.Therlo leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Helen Lillian Lawrence of Lake Havasu; son, Therlo W. Lawrence Jr; former daughter-in-law, Cheryl Lawrence; brothers, Jack (Joan) Lawrence and Jim (Joan) Lawrence; sister, Janette (John) McPherson; two grandsons, Eric and Michael; nieces and nephews, Judy (Jim) Day of Lake Havasu, Carole(Gary) Hettick of Lake Havasu, as well as several other nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Lawrence.Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 14, 2007, 2:00 PM at Prestige Assisted Living at Smoketree.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.