Calling Hours:
Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 5:00-7:00pm
Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation
Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville, PA
Funeral Service:
Thursday, April 4, 2019, 11:00am
Westminster Chapel of First Presbyterian Church
323 Main St., Greenville, PA
Rev. David A. Dobi, Pastor, officiating
Greenville VFW Post #3374 will render military honors
at the conclusion of the service. Burial will be in Shenango
Valley Cemetery.
Lawrence A. Wilson, Jr., age 94, of Greenville, passed away Monday morning April 1, 2019. Lawrence, known as Skeek to his family, was born March 19, 1925 to Lawrence A. Wilson and Jane Isabella Hanna Wilson in Mount Hope, West Virginia, the youngest of four children. His family moved to Charleston, West Virginia when he was eleven years.
Lawrence graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1943 and was immediately drafted into the military during World War II. He served in Europe in the 14th armored division of the 7th Army, combining with General Patton’s 3rd Army during the push to Bastogne.
After the war, Lawrence returned home to Charleston where he met Evelyn Brown while she was singing in the church choir. They were married June 25, 1949. He matriculated from Purdue University with a B.S. in 1949, and a PhD in 1952. Both degrees were in chemical engineering. Lawrence worked from 1952-1954 in Charleston, West Virginia at American Viscose, before moving his family to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he began working as a research scientist for Gulf Oil Corporation. His research team provided new developments in enhanced oil recovery and resulted in several patents for the company. He was sent on several trips as a consultant to South American governments concerning development of oil production in those countries. During that time period, Lawrence taught some courses in petroleum engineering to doctoral candidates at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1981, he left Gulf’s Research and Development offices in Pittsburgh as division director of production. He transferred to the Houston, Texas complex and finished his career as coordinator of process applications and enhanced recovery.
Central to Lawrence’s life was his abiding faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He had taught Sunday School for many years in various churches and served as an elder in the Presbyterian church to which he belonged. When he and Evelyn retired to Greenville, he remained actively involved in church and community organizations. He offered leadership at First Baptist church during a transformative period and served as chairman of the board of deacons. He was a member of the original board of directors during the founding of the Good Shepherd Center. He served as a president of the Greenville Chapter and Lieutenant Governor for Pennsylvania in Kiwanis International, and was presented the George F. Hixson Fellowship Award for that organization.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Evelyn of 69 years, 3 daughters: Sharon Nystrom (Joel) of Greenville; Laura Loggi (Lou) of Hilton, New York; Lynne Wilson of Greenville; 5 grandchildren: Steven Nystrom; Sarah Nystrom; Christine Nystrom; Elaine Loggi (Nate Mochizuki); Brian Loggi and 1 great granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 siblings and an infant son, Lawrence A. Wilson III.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Center, 10 N. Water St., Greenville, PA 16125.
Sharon, You are in my thought’s and prayer’s. I’m so sorry to hear about your father, I’m sure you have lot’s of fond memories.
Laura, Sharon and Lynn,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Wishing comfort in the days ahead.
Love,
Brittany, JC, Ryan, Sara, Skyler and Kalen
Dear friends,
We are so sad to hear of Larry’s passing. It was always delightful to be in his presence and we have great memories of him. Please remember that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to comfort you at this time.
Hugs and Love,
Mary Ella and Ray
May you be comforted that Larry is walking the streets of gold. You are in our prayers. The Lord has blessed you with many fond memories.
I will always remember Larry. He was a good, good man. My sincerest condolences to all of his family.
Many years ago I had the privilege of working in the same building with Larry at Gulf Research in Harmarville. I will always remember his delightful smile…when he came into my office singing “Sandy Rose….” (my name at the time), and regailing me with stories of his girls and their pets…sharing stories of his faith…. I became a Christian at a Billy Graham Crusade in Pittsburgh as a result of Larry’s testimony. He was definitely one in a million! Imagine my surprise when, years later, after my husband’s death, I remarried and moved to Greenville…..and there, again, was Larry! He will never, ever, be forgotten.
Sharon and family,
Our condolences on your loss. May God give you peace and hold your family in His loving arms.
I am really sorry for the loss of your family member dear to you. But it is heartwarming to learn that God feels for you and he longs for the time when he will bring back to life your loved ones sleeping in death according to Job 14:14,15. Until that time, may God of all comfort be able to comfort your entire family during this difficult time.