Lawrence M. Tawney

Lawrence Milton Tawney, 85, of Gallipolis, Ohio closed his eyes for his final earthly sleep and opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was Jesus Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Holzer Health System. Lawrence was born to the late William “Bill” and Nellie (Pell) Tawney, August 31, 1940, in Gallipolis, Ohio. He married the love of his life Edna Mae (Mahan) Tawney on January 23, 1966. Together they raised two children, Lawrence Michael “Mike” Tawney and Lisa Dawn Tawney (Clark).

Lawrence retired from AT&T Phone Company in 2008 after over 41 years of employment. He was a charter member of the Central Christian Church, Gallipolis, Ohio and former member of the Gallipolis Chrisitan Church. He faithfully served as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and other roles at both churches. His faith and love for the Lord were very evident. The moment he was baptized giving his life to the Lord, he began serving Him fervently and did not stop until he took his final breath, even witnessing to those he knew needed to hear of God’s love in his final days. His greatest passion was serving his Lord and Savior.

Lawrence proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard.

Lawrence loved bringing joy and laughter to any situation every opportunity he was given; and was known by all who loved him as an agitator, and he so enjoyed that role.

Lawrence got a great deal of joy spending time doing anything at all he was able to do with his John Deere tractors.

More than anything, Lawrence loved being a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. In his words, he “married Edna for better or worse, and vowed to take care of her in sickness and in health” and was by her side taking care of her until her final days.

He is survived by his children Mike (Shelly) & Lisa Tawney (Clark), both of Gallipolis, Ohio; grandchildren Randi Tawney of Huntington, West Virginia, Andrea (Joel) Franklin of Gahana, Ohio, Alex Tawney and Sophie Clark, both of Gallipolis, Ohio and great grandchildren Josh and Ella Franklin of Gahana, Ohio. He is also survived by brother, William “Bill” Tawney, brother and sisters-in-law, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Nell Tawney, wife, Edna Tawney, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edgar and Mabel Mahan and brothers, Okey Tawney, Leo Tawney and Don Tawney.

Friends may call Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis, Ohio. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Friday, February 27, 2026, at the funeral home with Derek Stump and Denny Coburn officiating. Full Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail in Mound Hill Cemetery, Gallipolis.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Joseph Esmaeili, Dr. Charles Zierenberg, Holzer Hospice staff, Holzer Emergency Room staff, Holzer Ambulatory Surgery Unit staff, and the staff of Holzer 2-West for their exceptional care and kindness.

Pall bearers will be Alex Tawney, Bill Tawney, Billy Tawney, Scott Warren, Justin Reynolds, Ron Tawney, Evan Warren and Darren Clark.

Lawrence’s obituary was lovingly written by daughter Lisa.