Herbert L. Lawrence

Herbert Leroy Lawrence Jr., 95, passed away peacefully, in North Manchester, Indiana on July 10, 2020. Herb was born on August 7, 1924 in Peru, Indiana where he lived most of his life. A member of America’s Greatest Generation, during his senior year at Peru High School, Herb was called away to serve his country in World War II. He was a pharmacist’s mate for the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. While overseas, he served on the USS Antietam in Saipan, China, Guam and Japan. His military decorations include the WWII Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, The American Area Service Ribbon and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon. When he returned home, Herb earned his barber’s license and later went on to own his own shop, Herb's Barber Shop, a fixture on East 6th street in Peru until his retirement in 1984. He married his wife, Mary Margaret Lawrence (Stewart), Peru, on Christmas Day in 1949. They had two daughters, three granddaughters and five great grandchildren and enjoyed 70 loving years together. He was a devoted father and loving grandparent. A man of great faith and integrity, Herb was an active, life-long member of the Peru Church of the Brethren. He was a lover of antiques, old homes and refinishing furniture. He never knew a stranger and because of his time serving the community as a barber, his family often joked that he couldn’t go anywhere in town without stopping to chat with someone he knew. Many will remember Herb as a great neighbor, friend, and family member - always willing to lend a hand. Herb is survived by his two daughters, Lynn (the late Rick) Truitt and Lesa (David) Noonan; his grandchildren, Angela (Chris) Lawson, Maggie (Neal) Young, and Molly (Jared) Zentz; his great-grandchildren, Kylee and Kaiden Lawson and Brooks, Finley and Sloane Young; and his brother David (Debbie) Lawrence. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Sr. and Grace Lawrence; his siblings, Leonard (Lois) Lawrence, Wilma (Charles) Bender and Janice Lawrence; and his son-in-law, Rick Truitt. A Memorial Service, celebrating the life of Herbert L. Lawrence, Jr., will be held at 2:00 P.M., August 7, 2020 at Peru Church of the Brethren with Pastor Phillip Troxell officiating. Burial to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery with Military Honors provided by members of the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Family and friends will gather from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., prior to the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home to the Peru Church of the Brethren.

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