Lawrence Raysby, 88, of Avon

Funeral services will be 10 AM, Friday, October 26, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon. Burial is in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation is Thursday from 11 AM until 5 PM at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Chapel in Avon, followed by a 7 PM Prayer Service, Thursday at the church.

Lawrence C. Raysby was born April 13, 1919 in rural Avon, South Dakota, the son of Paul and Louise (Bitter) Raysby. He was called home by the Lord on Monday, October 22, 2007 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Lawrence reached the age of 88 years, six months and nine days.

Lawrence attended Avon High School and graduated in 1938. He then farmed in rural Avon until entering the United States Army on March 27, 1942. He landed in Normandy on Utah Beach on 6-8-1944, two days after D-Day. He served in the European Theatre Operation (ETO) and was awarded a Purple Heart for his valor and bravery. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged on July 5,1945. Lawrence was extremely patriotic with a strong love of his country. He had a deep interest in politics and was a dedicated Democrat. After his discharge, Lawrence returned to Avon and joined his family in farming.

Lawrence was united in marriage to Lois (Cermak) Carpenter on August 19, 1957. They lived in rural Avon until 1960, when Lawrence began his career at the US Postal Service. He worked as a sub clerk at the Avon Post Office until 1963, when he became a rural mail carrier. Lawrence was transferred to the US Postal Service in LeMars, IA in April of 1974. He served there until August of 1977. At that time the family returned to Avon where he continued as a rural mail carrier until his retirement on January 2,1987.

Lawrence was a member of the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post #150 for over 50 years. He served as adjutant in the early 1970's. Lawrence was a member of the Trinity Presbyterian and the First Presbyterian Church, both in Avon.

Lawrence will be remembered for his passion of reading, doing crossword puzzles and his enjoyment of gardening. He was dedicated to exercise and loved walking. His children describe him as an honorable, responsible and dedicated role model. He adored his lovely wife Lois with whom he enjoyed 50 years of marriage. He was a loving husband, brother and outstanding father to his children. Lawrence also thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his 12 grandchildren. He took great interest in their activities and encouraged them to the best they can be in all that they do.

Blessed for having shared his wonderful life are his wife Lois, of Avon; four daughters: Carmen (Carpenter) Krcil, Des Moines, IA; Belinda (Carpenter) Beeson (Terry), Dante; Cheryl (Raysby) Park (John), Sioux Falls; Julie Raysby, Sioux Falls; two sons: Richard Carpenter, Mitchell; and Michael Carpenter, Avon; 12 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; three brothers: Thorwald (Cora) Raysby, Avon; Neil (Darlene) Raysby, Geddes; Noel (Mary) Raysby, Tyndall; sister, Zpna (Raysby) Robsahm (Leon), Sioux Falls; sister-in-law, Neva Raysby, Avon; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gordon Raysby.