Lawrence was born January 30, 1925 in rural Pierson to Evert & Bertha (Leonard) Todd. He graduated from Pierson High School and married Wilma P. Duncanson on May 28, 1950 at Holly Springs, IA. They made their home on the family farm near Pierson. Lawrence and Wilma were involved members of their church and community, farming together and living on the family farm until the summer of 2015 when they moved to the Gardens in Cherokee. He enjoyed his family and friends through a long and active life

Throughout his farming career he served as a director on the Coop elevator board, Federal Land Bank Board, and as a township trustee. Lawrence always sought to conserve the soil and protect the environment. Lawrence twice received recognition from the Soil Conservation Service for his conservation efforts and building terraces on his farm.

He enjoyed attending Sioux City Explorer baseball games and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed playing cards and games with his grandchildren. . Lawrence was a lifelong member of the Pierson Christian Church, holding many offices and serving as elder for more than 50 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his two children and their spouses, David O. and Jolene Todd of Pierson, IA and Sarah and Rick Mensink of Harmony, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kevin Canterbury, Kyle (Melinda) Canterbury, Landon Canterbury, Matthew (Courtney) Todd, Kathleen (Kevin) Blocher, and Jennifer (Scott) Hirschman; great-grandchildren, Seth, Sydney, Maxwell, Tessa, Hudson, Ethan, Bryson and Brinley; sister-in-law, Elaine Todd, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wilma, a brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Marilyn Todd, and a sister and brother-in-law Ruby and Arthur Syverson.