Kevin Dale Lawrenz

Services for Kevin Lawrenz are scheduled for Thursday, August 11, 2022, at City Center Church, Lenexa, Kansas.  The family will receive visitors at 5:00 p.m. and services will commence at 6:30 p.m.  Interment will be Friday, August 12, 2022, at noon, at the Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville, Missouri.

Kevin Dale Lawrenz transitioned to his heavenly home on August 4, 2022. What a crowd was surely there to greet and celebrate his arrival. Kevin was born September 19, 1960, in Lawrence, Kansas, the first child and only son of James Edward Lawrenz and Loretta Lee (Cooper) Lawrenz. Kevin grew up in the rural Baldwin/Wellsville area, where his boyhood was filled with the adventures of exploring the timber and barns, attempting to ride cows, climbing to the top of any tree, swimming in the ponds, and learning new daring tricks on his bicycle. As soon as he was able, he traded in his bicycle for motorized 2-wheel machines and never looked back. 

Filled with visions of seeing the world, Kevin joined the Air Force, leaving for bootcamp on his 19th birthday. His first duty station was Loring AFB, Maine, where he landed in a January blizzard. Not the adventure he initially hoped for, but always resilient and optimistic, he came to see the beauty in that region. Later stationed in the Netherlands, he met and married his one true love, Inge Else (Schinkel) on November 9, 1984. They enjoyed 26 years together until her passing on March 25, 2011. 

During his military tenure, he was also stationed in Texas, Germany, Michigan and Washington, deployed to the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm and, of course, various other TDY assignments, earning numerous citations, medals and ribbons. He was honorably released from active duty in October, 1995, and moved his family home to Kansas to enjoy military retirement and civilian life; however, 9/11 stirred his patriotic blood and he joined the Air Force Reserves based out of Whiteman AFB, MO, deploying multiple times to the Middle East and finally retiring from the Reserves in December, 2012. He was extremely proud when son Sean joined the Air Force Reserves and they were able to work together at Whiteman AFB. 

After leaving the Air Force, Kevin worked various jobs, including working the night shift for Roto Rooter while attending Vatterott College to obtain his HVAC certification. He then secured employment as a Maintenance Supervisor with Kessinger Hunter, where he worked until his death. 

To say Kevin loved his family wholeheartedly would be an understatement. Anyone that chatted with him could anticipate him bragging happily about his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. He was Opa in Kansas and Grampy in Maine. He seldom missed the many events in which his grands participated, whether sports, music, birthday celebrations, etc. Fiercely protective of those he loved, he was a strong, safe rock for family and friends, a quiet, solid tower of strength. His wry humor and ornery banter generated much hearty laughter and made him a magnet in any social gathering. Tender-hearted and compassionate, if he thought he’d teased too far or that he had ever injured anyone in anyway, it bothered him deeply. He prayerfully reached out to apologize and make things right, no matter the time or distance. 

Above all else, Kevin loved his Lord Jesus. One friend observed that, while many displayed love and how to be a good Christian, Kevin showed him Jesus. He just quietly lived a life that showed everyone what Jesus is like. He was a man of integrity, honorable, honest and of impeccable character. People were naturally drawn to him and felt such peace and strength in his presence. Kevin was active in his church, serving many years as a greeter and assisting in the leadership of the Redeemed Road Warriors motorcycle group, organizing numerous rides for charities and/or fellowship and enjoyment. 

Those who remain to remember and honor his life and legacy include daughter Amanda Parker Saunders, Caribou, ME, son Daniel Lawrenz (Courtney), Spring Hill, KS, son Sean Lawrenz (Kacey), Warrensburg, MO, six grandchildren: Amara Beck, Ryan Lawrenz, Mikey Beck, Kynzie Lawrenz, Taven Beck, Lauren Saunders, Hudson Lawrenz, and Layla Lawrenz, sister Lois Lawrenz, Olathe, KS, and Angela Watts (Kevin), Baldwin, KS, and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

Those who have gone before and, with our precious Jesus, welcomed him to heaven, include his love/wife Inge Lawrenz and his parents.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Stop Trafficking Project (stoptraffickingproject.com). 

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