Joseph Leroy Lawrence Sr., 60, of Mansfield, passed away at his home on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Joseph was born on May 27, 1963 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania.  He was the son of Joseph and Delores (Moon) Lawrence.  Joseph was a skillful mechanic.  He was a devoted husband, loving father and active grandfather who centered his life around his family.  His hobbies even included his family, as they did them together.  Together, they enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, paint balling, riding motorcycles, and remote control cars.  His family was his life.  Joseph lived his life as an example, always there for everyone and a mentor to many.  He found laughter to be essential in life, as he was very funny and was always making everyone laugh.  Joseph had a soft spot for dogs and was found to rescue many.

Joseph leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Debra Lawrence; his children, Shannon (Justin) Phillips, Joseph Lawrence Jr., Travis Lawrence, and Cody Lawrence; his “part time” kids, Aaron Metcalf and Daniel Brasseur; his grandchildren, Austin, Caira, and Malichi Phillips, Ayriana, Travis Jr., and Cherish and Kinsley Lawrence, and Neveah Kitchen; his brother, Douglas E. Lawrence; his sisters-in-law, Christie (William) Core and Kimberly (Eathan) Thompson; his brothers-in-law, Charles (Denise) Jeffries and William Bishop; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Bishop; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister-in-law, Sandra (Mike) Hennecy; and father-in-law, Walter Bishop.

Family and friends may visit from 1:00-2:00 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield, 98 S. Diamond Street.  Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm with Megan Renner officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com