Robert “Bob” William Lawry, age 87, died on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at his home. He was born on Saturday, July 18, 1936, to Bennie Eugene and Hazel Myrle Reeve Lawry in Buffville, Kansas.
Bob was an entrepreneur, a devout believer, a loving grandfather, and a man of many passions. Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own enterprise, Lawry’s Used Cars, in 1980. His dedication to his business was unwavering, operating it successfully in Mena for over four decades. He was admired for his hard work and determination, serving as an inspirational figure for many within the community.
Bob fixed up cars in his shop, new and old, but his passion was for old. His car lot was packed with everything from Model A Fords to custom cars of his own creation. But don’t think these cars were high dollar creations built from a glossy catalog. These were cars with character. Bob did not spend money on fancy tools or paint jobs. He just did it himself, even in his older age, in the heat and humidity. Showing people his cars made him happy, and he especially loved to show them to children. One of his proudest accomplishments was driving his Model A above the Arctic Circle and to the Florida Keys.
Bob was also a faithful lifelong member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where he showed compassion and love for others. His favorite lessons to share were simple yet profound; to always do the best job one can, and to care for other people.
He had a passion for missions, his favorite being Maranatha One-Day Churches. Maranatha developed kits that included a steel framework and roof that could be delivered and built in remote parts of the world. Bob financed over fifty of these church building projects. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Maranatha One-Day Churches. https://tinyurl.com/5n8ae6ty
His passions extended beyond his work and faith. Bob had a sweet tooth, with desserts being his absolute favorites. Furthermore, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He liked to boast that he had seven great-grandchildren and all of them were boys except six. He also enjoyed reminiscing about old cars and traveling. His favorite vacations included going on cruises with his late wife and exploring new places all over the world.
Bob’s memory will linger in the hearts of those he left behind. His tenacity, faith and wisdom serve as pillars of his legacy, inspiring those who knew him to face life with a positive and determined attitude. He was indeed a hard worker who believed in doing his best at everything he undertook.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Lawry; one daughter, Penny Lee Lawry; two brothers, Lloyd Lawry and Delbert Lawry; and one sister, Opal Vega.
Bob is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Regina Lawry of Mena; two daughters and son-in-law, Jeannie and Dewey Amos of Ashland, Missouri, and Carolyn Burnside of Walla Walla, Washington; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.
Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com
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