LAWRENCE, Therlo William

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona - Published Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - Therlo William Lawrence, 88, passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 in Lake Havasu City. He was born to Therlo and Gladys (Dolby) Lawrence Aug. 29, 1919, in Ypsilanti, Mich. He was raised in Michigan by his father and stepmother, Pearl Gibbs Lawrence. Therlo served his country proudly under the direction of the United State Navy during World War II. He worked as a mechanical engineer for divisions of Ford in Michigan and California for 37 years. As an engineer and inventor he made a gift to mankind when he invented the combination exchanger and bubble trap, the first heart-lung machine in this country in 1959. Therlo was a kind and loving man who wanted to be remembered for being a good husband, father, grandfather and friend to all people and animals. He had been a member of several Lutheran churches in Michigan and California. In retirement he and Helen loved fishing and traveling. Therlo leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Helen Lillian Lawrence, of Lake Havasu City; son, Therlo W. Lawrence Jr.; former daughter-in-law, Cheryl Lawrence; brothers, Jack (Joan) Lawrence and Jim (Joan) Lawrence; sister, Janette (John) McPherson; two grandsons, Eric and Michael; nieces and nephews, Judy (Jim) Day, of Lake Havasu City, Carole (Gary) Hettick, of Lake Havasu City, as well as several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Lawrence. Memorial services will be held on Friday, at 2 p.m., at Prestige Assisted Living at Smoketree. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.