Leland ‘Pug? Laurence, of Leonard, entered into eternal life Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. He was 84.
He was born July 17, 1928 to Albert C. and Pansy M. Laurence in Oxford. Best known as ‘Pug?, he was a life-long resident of Oxford who served in the Korean War and upon discharge returned to working in the Oxford Post Office where he had begun delivering mail before and after school when he was 15. Known around town as the ‘Whistling Mailman?, he retired as a Postal Supervisor in 1984.
He enriched the lives of young people through serving as a leader in 4-H, Asst. Boy Scout leader, a Big Brother, and teaching Sunday School for over 30 years. He loved camping and bird watching; after retiring, he became an accomplished bird carver, even teaching carving at the Addison Senior Center. He volunteered as a driver for the Meals on Wheels program. Pug enjoyed square dancing, playing handbells and spending time with his family.
He will be missed greatly by his wife of nearly 60 years Betty (Souders) Laurence and children: LeeAnn(Russ) Stinehour of Weaverville NC, Robbin (Kent) Anapolle of Bethesda, MD, and Scott (Sherry) Laurence of Port Huron. Also surviving him are grandchildren: Patrick (Shanna), Madelyn, Rebekah, and Karle Stinehour; Sasha and Vika Anapolle; Natalie (Nate) VanDusen, and Adelle (Kolton) Semrow. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Aaron and Gracie Stinehour. He was preceded in death by his brother Hugh (Bub) Laurence.
The funeral was held at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ in Oxford on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.
Interment Lakeville Cemetery in Addison Township.
Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ or Seven Ponds Nature Center 3854 Crawford Rd, Dryden, MI 48428.