Lawrence L. Bowyer, 87, died Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at Sunset Manor Nursing Center, Frontenac.

He was born Jan. 21, 1921, in Stark to Paul and Emma Carlyon Lina Bohlander. He attended Stark schools, graduating from Stark High School in 1939. He graduated from Kansas State Teachers College, now Pittsburg State University, in 1942. He received his masters degree from Emporia State in 1947. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He married Jo Helen Myers on May 17, 1943, in Yuma, Ariz. She survives.

He taught business classes at Pittsburg High School for 39 years, retiring in 1986. Prior to that he taught for two years at Garnett High School.

Membership was held in the First United Methodist Church, Pittsburg Masonic Lodge 187 for more than 60 years, and the Fort Scott Consistory for more than 60 years, SEK Retired School Personnel, and AARP 646. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed woodworking, refinishing furniture, camping, fishing and dancing.

Other survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Sherry Bowyer, Pittsburg; a daughter, Marcia Topham, Joplin, Mo.; two granddaughters, Tabitha Welch, Joplin, Mo., and Hannah Bowyer, Pittsburg; a grandson and his wife, Joel and April Topham, Bolivar, Mo.; a great-granddaughter, Alexis E. Welch, Joplin, Mo.; and a great-grandson, Kainen M.Topham, Bolivar, Mo.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Georgianna Bowyer; and four brothers, Riley Wendell, Alvin and Virgil Leon Bowyer.

Funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kathleen Owsley officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Savonburg, under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with Masonic services at 6:30 p.m. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Friday to sign the register.

Contributions to the First United Methodist Church and/or Wesley House may be made in care of the funeral home, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762.