Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, Gresham, OR

Lawrence Edward McGrew, a resident of Gresham, Oregon, died on November 29, 2013 in Gresham. He was 76 years of age.

Lawrence was born one of eighteen children on August 16, 1937 in Terre Haute, Indiana and was the son of James and Maud (Nail) McGrew. He graduated from High School in Terre Haute and attended Indiana State University. He later attended San Jose State University where he studied Sports Education. Upon returning home, he met and married Marlene Hurst in 1962. In 1963 they moved to Oregon returning to Indiana with 3 small children in 1968. Marlene preceded him in death in 1972.

On June 16, 1973, Lawrence married Louise Asperger in Indianapolis and they moved to Milwaukie where he worked at Fred Meyer and later worked at Centennial School District in Gresham for 17 years. He retired in 1999 with the nickname the "Singing Custodian" because of his love for music.

After retirement, Lawrence resided in Gresham and worked hard at attending every sports practice, game, recital, event and party that involved his 8 grandchildren. He adored his family and took every opportunity to show his support.
Lawrence was a proud husband, father and grandfather. He bragged about the successes of his children and was proud of what they all have accomplished in life. He was a hard worker; always working two jobs to support his family only to instill a great work ethic in his children. He also loved Indiana Basketball and followed the careers of the great players that blossomed with in the Indiana Program. His greatest love was his family and he simply adored every minute spent with them.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Louise of Gresham, children, Allyson Gray of Tualatin, Jon McGrew of Portland, Wendy McNeil of Portland, Sonja McGrew of Portland and Joe McGrew of Burlingame, California, along with 8 grandchildren and siblings Lillian Guthrie of Las Vegas, Opal Bolin of Casey, Illinois, Darrell McGrew of Terre Haute, Don McGrew of Boring, Leroy McGrew of Sandy, Evelyn Mitchell of Rapid City, South Dakota, Mary Ann Freels of Albany, Georgia and Betty Cook of Terre Haute.

A Celebration of Lawrence's life will be on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Central Bible Church, 8815 NE Glisan Portland, OR. Contributions may be made in memory of Lawrence to the or the American Diabetes Association . Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.