Lawrence Wilson

Lawrence Wilson, age 91 formerly of Mainville, Ohio passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown, Ohio. He was known to many as “Whoop”, “Larry”, “Ferret” and “Governor”. Lawrence was born January 31, 1933 in Hamilton, Ohio the son of the late Quinton and Georgie (Bowman) Wilson. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1951 and in March of 1953 he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and completed his basic training at Camp Breckenridge, Kentucky. While overseas and stationed in Straubing, Germany, he traveled to many foreign cities and countries which included Switzerland, Netherlands, Copenhagen, Paris, London and Rome to name a few. Upon returning home in 1955, he married Peggy Lou Gabbard and together they traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast, Canada and Alaska. Over time Lawrence, a loyal Bearcats fan, obtained two degrees from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science. For 30 years, he worked in the engineering field while also learning about and becoming a part-time farmer. Along with his wife Peggy, they raised cattle, farmed land, participated in 4-H and were always active in teaching what he had learned to others, especially his niece and nephew. For his second act, he obtained his real estate license. In addition to selling properties, he also worked as an insurance home inspector and mobile home mortgage inspector. After Peggy’s death in 2013, he found a love of writing fiction that combined his lifelong experiences with his imagination. Lawrence subsequently wrote and published seven novels and days prior to his passing he was still discussing what he might write next. He was a member of the Bolivar Masonic Lodge F&AM #82 in Eaton, Ohio and the Shriner’s. Lawrence was kind, witty and was always one to encourage lifelong learning. Most recently when asked how he maintained such a youthful appearance he stated, “clean livin’ and clean lovin’”.

In addition to his parents, Quinton and Georgia (Bowman) Wilson, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Peggy Lou (Gabbard) Wilson in 2013, three brothers – Marvin Wilson, Billy Wilson and Edward Wilson and one sister – Marianita Sipple.

Mr. Lawrance is survived by two sisters – Rita Karr and Joy Hammerly; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and a host friends.

Following cremation, graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Cartersville Cemetery, 942-944 Cartersville Road, Berea, Kentucky 40403 in Garrad County (Coordinates 37.53640-84.39560). The Cahall Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ohio is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Shriners Children’s Ohio, 1 Children's Plaza 2 West, Dayton, Ohio 45404 or at www.shrinerschildren.org