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Lawrence Widner, 72, went to meet his Heavenly Father on December 1, 2008. Lawrence married the love of his life on December 29, 1954. Lawrence is survived by his family, one son Larry of Bovina, Terry Hunt and husband Chris of Friona, Linda Merritt and husband Butch of Nazareth, and Laura McMillin and husband Kelly of Shallowater. Lawrence and Carolyn were genuinely blessed with six beautiful granddaughters Ashley Hilton and husband Philip, Amber White and husband Ty, J'Lae and Jenny Jo Merritt, Christy Widner, and Andi Kate McMillin; and one great-granddaughter Trinity Black; six wonderful grandsons Josh Merritt and wife Sucre', Jase Merritt and wife Marissa, Clay Cristy, Keith Hunt, Trey Widner, and Jake McMillin. Lawrence was born the second son of Harley and Edith Widner on February 22, 1936. He leaves behind four sisters, Gay Johnson, Susie Widner, Karen and Wayne Lightfoot and Nyla and Rick Walter; and three brothers, Harley and Ruthie Widner, Lynell Widner, and Jamie and Robin Widner and in-laws Molly Widner and Clyde Yarbrough. He was also dearly loved by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Neville Widner and two sisters Sharon Yarbrough, and Debbie Lesly, sister-in-law Linda Widner and beloved mother-in-law Reva Farmer. Lawrence graduated from Melrose High School in 1954 and received a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Education from NMSU and later a Master's degree in School Administration from ENMU. He served as New Mexico State FFA President in 1954. He taught Ag and Science in various schools in Eastern New Mexico. In 1975, Lawrence and Carolyn moved to Bovina, Texas where he continued teaching and raising show pigs. In 1978, Lawrence achieved a life-long dream when he and Carolyn bought their first farm. C and L Farms has grown into quite a partnership with several farms in Parmer County. Lawrence has remained active volunteering for the youth of Parmer County since his retirement in 1999. He was currently serving as a board member for Parmer County Farm Bureau, Parmer County Livestock Show, and Friona Federal Credit Union. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. (CST) Thursday, December 4, 2008, at Bovina Church of Christ and interment at Melrose Cemetery at 4:00 p.m. (MST). Family requests memorials be sent to: The Widner Family Scholarship Fund, c/o American Heritage Bank, P.O. Box 318, Melrose, New Mexico 88124 or your favorite charity. Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home, 800 E. Manana, Clovis, New Mexico 88101, www.steedtodd.com, 575-763-5541.
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