Roger Lee Lawrence (1921-2017)

LAWRENCE, LINE, HILBORN, MOUNT, STOTHERT, ELSASS

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/5/2017 at 20:43:28

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Roger Lee Lawrence was born July 13, 1921 at Boughtinville, (Huron County) Ohio, the son of Arthur W. and Kathleen (Line) Lawrence. He married Pauline Hilborn at Perry, Ohio on November 2, 1944. As a youth, he was a 4-H Club award winner and a state officer in the FFA. He received degrees from Ohio State University, George Washington University and Iowa State University. Roger served in WWII as a flight trainer, and in the Army Reserve for 32 years in a unit specializing in Middle East intelligence, retiring as a Colonel and receiving the Legion of Merit.

After serving as a staff member at Ohio State University, he moved to Ames and Iowa State University in 1950, retiring as an Emeritus Professor of Agriculture and of Education in 1986. At Iowa State, he served as major Professor for 70 MS and 16 PhD students, taught 140 international students from 43 countries, was Chair of the Faculty Council, and the Student Affairs Council.

Roger grew up with a clear sense that if the community could be improved by your efforts you should get involved. That led him to extensive volunteer work with Kiwanis, Youth and Shelter Services, and his church. He was Governor of the Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis District, Chair of the Board of YSS, and on almost every committee at Collegiate Methodist Church and Green Hills. Roger was very active in both leadership and support work. His sharp mind and informed ideas and opinions made him a thoughtful contributor to each organization, and an engaging and active member of his community.

He and his wife traveled all over the country and world. The family took long camping trips across the United States, and later he and Pauline participated in Elderhostel programs, focusing on many different interests. He was an avid reader, especially interested in history and politics, loved to garden, and volunteered until his very last days.

Roger died at 95 years of age on April 19, 2017 at Green Hills, the residential community in Ames where he lived for many years.

He is survived by his son, Ted (Myra) Lawrence of Oak Park, Illinois; his daughter, Janet (Jeff) Mount of Blair, Nebraska; his grandchildren, Josh (Stefanie) Lawrence, Alana (Andrew) Stothert and Ryan Mount; his great-grandchildren, Magnolia and Abraham Lawrence; and his sister, Mary Jane (David) Elsass of Bowling Green, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pauline; and his sisters, Nancy and Margaret.

Roger left a legacy of learning, love and friendship to his family, his students and his friends, and will be sorely missed.

Adams Funeral Home in Ames is assisting the family with arrangements.

Service
Sunday 7 May 2:00 PM
Collegiate United Methodist Church
2622 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50014

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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