Dr. Donald Lawrence

CARBONDALE – Dr. Donald Lawrence, 88, of Carbondale, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Manor Court of Carbondale.



Donald was born September 29, 1930 to Dr. Paul and Mabel (Donahue) Lawrence in Colchester, VT. He married Mary Janice Ferrill on November 25, 1965 in Carbondale. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2000.



Donald served his country in the US Navy and US Navy Reserve from 1951 until 1965. He had an interest in nature especially butterflies and in science education. Donald earned a Masters in Science in Zoology and his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in Science from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He shared his love of science by teaching at Carbondale Community High School until his retirement in 1992. Donald was involved in many organization in Southern Illinois to include the Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club, Carbondale Bicycle Club, University Club, Photographic Society, Audubon Society, Learning in Retirement, Population Connection and International Planned Parenthood Federation.



Donald is survived by his daughter, Patricia (Hartlage) Sebby and husband Mark of Sheridan; sisters, Kathleen Ehlen of Union Grove, WI and Jeannine Muhl and husband Sebastian of Burlington, WI; two grandchildren, Kristen Sebby of Nashville, TN and Steven Sebby and wife Brittany of Crystal Lake; one great-grandchild, Parker Sebby and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.



He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janice Lawrence; son, Michael Hartlage; sister, June Ripp; brother, Thomas Lawrence; aunt, Helene Frankl; and brother-in-law, Richard Ehlen.



Graveside services with Military Honors will be 10 AM on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale with Rev. Paul Waterman officiating.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements.



Memorials may be made to the Carbondale Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois, PO Box 3092; Carbondale, IL 62901.



To share a memory or story of Donald visit www.meredithfh.com