Lawrence R. Witham, 85

Lawrence R. Witham, 85, passed away at Kootenai Medical Center, in Coeur d'Alene, on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010.

He was born in Jane, Mo., on Nov. 2, 1924, the only son of Fate and Nola Witham. Larry had five sisters: Opal, Mamie, Euteva, Delores, Wilma and Bonnie according to them he was pretty doted on as a child.

Larry and Mary Lou Pemble were married in July 10, 1944, and were blessed with a son and daughter. They were the center of their lives. Delbert Lee was born March 20, 1946, and Linda Jean was born on Sept. 21, 1947. Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou and his children Del and Linda. He was also preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Opal, Mamie, Delores and Wilma.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Lisa (David) Schwartzman, Curt (Rita) Witham, Angie (Hugh) Hopwood and Christy (Burt) Broussard; great-grandchildren, Tiffany and Ashley Schwartzman, Peyton and Austin Witham, Emma and Anika Hopwood, And Meagan and Colton Broussard; and great-great-granddaughter Makenna; son-in-law Butch Toomey and sisters Bonnie Rush and Euteva Geertsen.

Larry worked in the mines near Wallace when he was a young man and in 1954, he moved his family to Superior, Mont., where he spent close to 20 years as a sawmill worker. He was hired by Diamond Match Co. to work on the construction of the mill and continued his employment with the company as it evolved to Diamond International Corp.

Larry was a true outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. Many hours were spent enjoying these pastimes, along with his woodworking hobby. He was a fine craftsman and made many pieces of furniture for family and friends and well as building their family home.

He will be missed by all who knew him and there will definitely be an empty space in the family that considered Larry to be the patriarch.

The graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. MST Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, at Superior Cemetery in Superior. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign Larry's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.