DR. LEONARD E LAWRENCE

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Dr. Leonard E. Lawrence Endowed Scholarship.  https://makelivesbetter.uthscsa.edu/lawrencel

Prior to service: 10:30am    Fraternity Ritual, NAACP Resolution and other Speakers

With his death on November 22, 2023, Dr. Leonard E. “Lenny” Lawrence transitioned from a man of family and community to a beloved memory and inspiration.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara of 61 years, and their three children and their partners: Courtney and Jeanne, Leonard Michael and Shari, and David and Stefani.  With his five grandkids, Olivia, Maya, Collin, Patrick, and Alexander, and his sister, Lynda Browne, known colloquially as “Aunt Sue”, all living close by, Lenny was truly surrounded by the family that was his raison d’etre. 

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 27, 1937 Lenny found that his life’s voyage would be forged through the practice of medicine.  He attended Indiana University and graduated with a medical degree.  As a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the United States Air Force, his path took him and Barbara from Indianapolis to Buffalo to Albuquerque, back to Indianapolis and finally to San Antonio in the summer of 1969.  Home sometimes finds you, and that’s what happened when his family landed here.  San Antonio became the home it still is. Dr. Lawrence set roots and immediately began to make a difference. 

Also known widely for community service, at his core he believed in the powerful effects of service, leadership, and compassion.  A stalwart of activism, Dr. Lawrence worked to ensure that societal inequities were not swept under the rug, rather they were addressed in the forefront.  He carried out this task from board rooms, from the Texas Youth Commission, and from the lectern in a university.  He spent many years guiding young minds as a professor.  It is no surprise that one of his enduring legacies is as a teacher; academia and scholarship were pillars of what he believed was essential for communities to grow and thrive.  Thus, he will forever carry the title “Professor Emeritus”.  And he will forever work to build communities.

And even with all the accolades Lenny received in his life, his greatest sources of pride were his grandkids.  He doted on them.  He called each and every one of them on their birthdays and sang them a happy birthday solo.  He offered them guidance and often $20 when he thought no one was looking.  However, they all knew that if they were summoned to his office, there was something serious to be discussed.  But at the end of whatever he needed to convey, he always let them know how much he loved them and how special they were. 

Without question, family was the most important aspect of life to Lenny.  From his own grandparents to his own grandkids, he cherished his family.   He also left an impact with his community service and teaching career.  He was regarded for his towering intelligence and commanding speaking voice.  He would surprise you with a melody on the piano.  And through it all until the end, he thoroughly enjoyed life.  Dr. Leonard Eugene Lawrence leaves a legacy built on the love and the memories of the family and friends who will always remember him.