Joseph Walter "Wally" Lawrence, 83, of La Plata, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 13, 2012, at his home. Born April 7, 1929 in Southeast Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Floyd Augustine Lawrence and the late Mary Beatrice Thompson Lawrence.

Wally was educated in the catholic school system in Washington, DC. He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Korean War. He was a sheet metal foreman and retired from the U.S. Treasury Department in 1979. In 1987 he and his wife, Penny, moved to Orlando, Florida, where they resided for 16 years. They returned to La Plata to be with family in 2002.

Affectionately known as Wally, Dad, Pop, Pop-a-Lop and Gatorman, he enjoyed playing cards, bingo, hunting, fishing, bowling, keno, working crossword puzzles and listening to country music. He especially enjoyed being with family and friends.

Wally was also a member of St. Mary's Newport Church, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Holy Name Society.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Floyd and Chuck; sisters, Marie Jarboe, Helen Hess and Sue Detwiler.

Survived by his wife of 57 years, Delora Mae "Penny" Lawrence; his sons, Joseph Walter, Jr. and his fiancée Barbara Baumler of Charlotte Hall, Charles Andrew and his wife Evelyn of La Plata; his grandchildren, Jessica Lawrence of La Plata, Brian Lawrence and his wife Lindsey of White Plains, Drew Lawrence of La Plata, and Christopher Lawrence of La Plata. Wally is also survived by his sisters, Jeanne Butler of Casselbury, FL, Marge Hein of Newburg, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 2PM to 4PM and from 6PM to 8PM, with prayer beginning at 7PM at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 19, 2012, beginning at 11AM at St. Mary's Newport, 11555 St. Mary's Church Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Interment will follow to the church cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of Charles County, P.O. Box 1703, La Plata, MD 20646 (or) St. Mary's Catholic Church - Newport Parish, 11555 St. Mary's Church Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home.