John Newton Lawrence 82 of Fillmore but formerly of Hillsboro and Coffeen passed away Friday May 12, 2017 at Montgomery Nursing and Rehab Nursing Center in Taylor Springs after struggling with Alzheimer’s.

He was born March 4, 1935 in Johnson City IL to Ezra and Beulah (Newton) Lawrence

He graduated Galatia High School In 1952.

He was a coal Miner for 32 years, farmer (Strawberries in Coffeen) a custodian and a handy man on projects for his churches.

He was a member of the Fillmore Baptist church and UMWA local 1393.

He enjoyed his family, traveling to the Smokey Mountains, gardening, and growing flowers and was part of the Hillsboro garden and flower show. He also enjoyed listening to gospel and bluegrass music, John was a good husband, father, brother friend and neighbor.

He married Dena Keelin of Galatia on July 25, 1953 and she preceded him in death July 14, 1999.

He married Opal Hill of Fillmore on Sept 8, 2000 and she survives.

He is survived by one son Ron (Karen) Lawrence of Litchfield one on daughter Rene (Roger) Shipman of Hillsboro, one step son Bill Hill of Oklahoma City OK., grandchildren Robbie (Lisa) Shipman of Hillsboro; Jennifer (Aaron) Humphrey's Gatesville, TX; Ryan (Kyung) Shipman of Barrigada, Guam; Daniel (Kelly) Lawrence of Litchfield; Randy (Stephanie) Shipman of Washington, IL; Julie (Mic) Jensen of Litchfield; Ashley (Jayce) Thompson of Anna-Jonesboro, IL; Heidi (Jason) Miles of Fillmore; Heather (Jay) Greenwood of Coffeen; Cody (Stephanie) Hill of Nokomis; Jason Hill (Tyra Williams) of Jeffersonville, IN;  Kaiden Kirchner of Nokomis; Joavana(David) Wood of London England; Ken (Julie) Law of Warren Oregon; Malaina (Ryan) McNeill of Nokomis, IL; Johnathan Kirchner of Missouri; Mariah Kirchner of Florida, several Grandchildren and one Great Great Grandchild.

He is survived by 2 sisters Mary Brooks of Evansville IN and Joan Fletcher of O’Fallon IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dena brothers Gail and Don Lawrence and Sisters Jean Harris and Mildred Lawrence and one stepson Calvin Hill.

Visitation will be Tuesday May 16, from 4-7 p.m. at Hough & Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro.

Funeral service will be Wednesday May 17 at 11:00 A.M. at the Hillsboro Free Methodist church in Hillsboro with Rev. Mike Plummer officiating pastor of the Fillmore Baptist Church, with a visitation at 10:00 A.M. until service time on Wednesday at the church.

Burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery in Hillsboro.

Memorials can be directed to MCCA.

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