Kay Lawrence Obituary

Kay M. Lawrence, 87, well known retired music educator and vocalist in Parsons, died at her home at 8:56 a.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021. She led a life full of activity until very recently.

She was born in Independence on December 26, 1933, to Dwight and Olive (McIntyre) Richmire. The family moved to Parsons in 1945 and she graduated from Parsons High School in 1951, where she was active in the Polychromes, musical productions and tennis. She attended Wichita State University and Pittsburg State University, where she graduated with a degree in music education.

On September 11, 1955 Kay and Bill Lawrence were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Parsons. Bill preceded her in death on November 29, 2013.

Kay first taught at Mound Valley and later in the Parsons elementary schools where she was active until her retirement. She participated in the community choir, church choir and sang at countless weddings and funerals through the years. She loved to entertain and was famous for her fudge, peanut brittle and apple pies. She played tennis for decades and was three time Parsons tennis champion. Her membership and involvement in the PEO Sisterhood began in 1958 and welcomed the members in her home for countless meetings. A person of strong Christian faith, she was a long time devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church. For years she and her family have loved spending time at their home on Grand Lake in Oklahoma.

Her children, grandchildren and sister were a big part of her life and she is survived by her four children, Bill Lawrence (Anita) of Parsons, David Lawrence (Linda) of Lawrence, Janet Goedeke (Dale) of Parsons and John Lawrence (Jennifer) of Overland Park; ten grandchildren, James Lawrence (Alicia) of Lawrence, Ashton Hill (Shaun) of Osage Beach, MO, Dyana Krzanowsky (Andy) of Lawrence, Josh Lawrence (Bobi) of Lenexa, Lindsey Meyer (Joe) of Kansas City, MO, Brett Goedeke (Kelsey) of Shawnee, Maggie Goedeke (Analise) of Homer, AK, Calen Lawrence of Dallas, TX, Beau Lawrence of Kansas City, MO and Drew Lawrence of Dallas, TX; ten great-grandchildren and her sister, Jackie Cobble of Parsons.

A private family service will be on Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church. A public celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, June 10 at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Educational Foundation (Lawrence Family Fund) or the First Presbyterian Church. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Friends are welcome to sign the register at the funeral home. Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.