Donald Stephen Lawrence

Donald S. Lawrence of Venice, FL, formerly of King George, VA, died after a brief illness on July 1, 2015. He was 85 years old. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Donald attended the US Naval Academy, receiving his commission as an Ensign in 1953. Upon graduation, he attended the U.S. Naval Submarine School and served on the USS RAY (SSR-271), the USS COBBLER (SS-344), USS LAFAYETTE (SSBN-616), and USS BASHAW (AGSS-241). He assumed command of the USS SEA LION (APSS-315) in 1965, followed by a tour in Guam, where he met his wife, Helen. On retiring from the Navy in 1974, Donald had a second career at EG&G in Dahlgren, VA, where he continued his work on the ballistic missile program. Donald was a man who loved his family and loved life. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen Lawrence, of Venice, FL; daughter Susan Lawrence of Woodbridge, VA; son Nathan Lawrence, daughter-in-law Susan and grandson Gage of Asheville, NC; and daughter Alexia McKnight, son-in-law Larry and granddaughters Michaela and Stephanie of Chadds Ford, PA. A memorial service will be held in Venice at Epiphany Cathedral on Friday, July 31 at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Sarasota National Cemetery; a 12:30 arrival is advised for the 1:00 ceremony. Donations may be made in Donald's memory to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Contributions can be mailed to: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development, 875 N. Randolph St. Ste 225, Arlington, VA 22203. Farley Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Service Information Date: Friday, July 31, 2015 Time: 11:00 am Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church Address: 350 Tampa Ave. W., , Venice, FL, 34285 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Friday, July 31, 2015 Time: 1:00 pm