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Bill (William) Lawrence

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My father in law, Bill, passed away unexpectedly last week and we are still in shock.  I never thought I would be putting together a go-fund-me, as my husband and I are very private and asking for assistance is not in our nature, but we are lost right now and our loved ones have suggested this route.    
  
Josh turns 40 Tuesday and his only wish is to be able to give his father the proper send off that he deserves.  This breaks my heart.  I should be planning a special day for my husband, but instead, we are faced with what is the most difficult time of our lives thus far.  I already knew we would celebrate this milestone in a unique way due to the lockdown, but this....this is a lot for us to face.  

We realize many people are impacted financially due to the virus, so any assistance during this difficult time would be truly appreciated and never forgotten.  It has taken us several days to come to terms with our situation and that help is needed.  If you know my husband, he is a man of few words and this is very difficult for him to reach out for assistance, but he would like everyone to understand what we are up against.    

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Wild Bill.  That was my Dad's nickname, and, if you had ever hung out with him during the cabin days, you would know why.  Born in '51, graduated in '69 from Fox.  He made sure I knew he graduated in '69.  Ha.  He was a good ol' boy who did not require much and found the value in everything.  He loved going to Goodwill and took his dogs everywhere he could.  My dad never really had a chance to make friends in school being an army brat who moved a lot, so I really appreciate the friends that stuck around with him through all the years.  I know for a fact that it meant the world to him. 

My father was one of a kind.  Just a quick glance around his home and you would agree.  He was a true patriot.  He hung the red, white, and blue any place he could.  He would get teary eyed when speaking about his mom.  He adored Grandma Shirley.   He had a love of nature and wildlife.  He had birds and dogs ever since I can recall.  Animals loved him.  They knew he was a good soul.  Popeye and Bandit, his macaws at his cabin, were part of my great memories growing up.  He created a place in his backyard so he could enjoy his coffee each morning with the birds.  In recent years, that love led him to raising a mix of finches and parakeets in his home.  I am glad he had them and his buddy Fenx for company.  

He retired at 63 as a lithographer, gaining most of his trade skills through his dad, Sarge.  My dad was extremely meticulous in his work, which eventually influenced his decision to carve leather.  He was incredibly gifted which was a reflection of my dad's unique style.  He crafted his own belts, wallets, pool stick case, cellphone case, dog leashes, dog collars, beer koozies, etc.

At noon, on Wednesday, the 15th of April, I received a worrisome message from my uncle that my father had not been active on FB for 18 hours, which was a red flag, and he was not answering his phone.   

My wife and I hopped in the car and went to check on him immediately.   The joy and love I felt when met by his dog, Fenx, was abruptly stolen by despair as I glanced over and realized the fear in the back of my mind had come true.  My life would never be the same. 

My father was was proud and invincible, and I loved and admired that about him.   Unfortunately, my dad did not prepare for this final step in life.   This is very difficult for me to write.  We were already in a tight place due to the virus.  I am in custom design home sales and am strictly commission, and my wife's photography business is declared non-essential.   Setting my own pride aside, the only way I can justify asking for your help is for me to ask you to contribute to my father's final expenses for my 40th birthday which is in 2 days.

For my 40th birthday, which is April 21st, I am asking for help in sending my dad on his way with a proper send off.   Once we are able to resume normal "freedoms" as he would call it, we will have a "Beer for Bill" celebration of his life at a location to be determined. 

I will be on Dad's FB periodically as I have access to his phone.  I will keep everyone updated.  I know Dad has friends in St. Charles, at the Elks, from Fox, etc.  Thank you for taking the time to ready this and please feel free to share this with anyone my father's wonderful soul had an impact on .  

I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you
Josh Konersman
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    Organizer and beneficiary

    Tara Lynne
    Organizer
    Imperial, MO
    Josh Konersman
    Beneficiary

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