CENTER, Lawrence

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Lawrence Center, 82, born in Emerson, Neb. on Nov. 11, 1930, passed quickly the morning of May 19, 2013 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Lillian (Toni) Center. They married young because his National Guard unit came to Arizona from Michigan to reopen Luke Air Force Base in 1951. There, Lawrence attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. Returning to Michigan after the stint, we realized our mistake. In Michigan we raised show and obedience dogs. In Glendale, he coached his two daughters’ softball team for four years and attended four years of journeyman carpenter school. Finally, in 1963, with two daughters, a dog, and carpenter’s tools, we returned to Arizona and settled in Glendale. We continued to show dogs, and he helped build the Veterans Coliseum, the Financial Center, etc. We lived at Roosevelt for 16 years and on 50 acres of land on 77 for nine years. Lawrence is survived by two brothers, Everly Center and wife, Linda, of Claypool, and Ted Center and wife, Jan, of Michigan; our two daughters, Elizabeth Center of Gold Canyon, and Pamela McKee and husband, Dave, of Phoenix; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Alzheimer’s robbed Lawrence of a happy life the last five years, but he always gave a smile and a hug. There are no services planned; a family remembrance will be held in three or four weeks. No flowers, please; donations can be made to The Crossing Hospice — an amazing group of people who are only a phone call away to help or console. I thank them very much.