Lawrence Milton Cripps

     Lawrence Milton Cripps, 79 of Nevada passed away Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Nevada Regional Medical Center following a life dedicated to the faithful service of mankind.

     Lawrence was born January 3, 1940 in Milford, MO the son of Herman Ellsworth and Audrey Lavina (Cramer) Cripps. He graduated from Bronaugh High School in 1957 and Lawrence joined the United States Navy after High School and served for four years. He later joined the Air Force Reserves and retired, Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Reserves. Lawrence worked for the Nevada Police Department in 1963 before working for the Missouri State Highway Patrol as a license examiner (retiring after thirty years of service). Lawrence also pastored the Methodist Churches at Horton and Metz.

         Lawrence married Mary Martha Duncan on May 28, 1962 and she preceded him in death on January 31, 1993. He later married Regina Ann Burnham February 19, 1994 and she survives of the home.

     Lawrence was a fifty year member and Past Master of Masonic Osage Lodge #303, Past 45th District Deputy Grand Master, member of the Mirza Shrine in Pittsburg, KS, Scottish Rite 33rd Degree, York Rite, the Eastern Star, and Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star. Lawrence was the Nevada Representative for the Masonic Retirement Home of Missouri. Lawrence has for many years conducted Masonic Services for fellow Masons at their funeral services.

       Lawrence received an associate degree from Wentworth Academy in electrical and hydraulics, held a private pilot license, and played the piano at community functions and Eastern Star meetings, He volunteered at the Vernon County Election Board, drove cancer patients and veterans to their out of town doctor’s appointments, and could always be identified driving a two tone brown Ford truck in Nevada, always on the go, always on the way to help someone with need.

          Lawrence will be remembered as being family orientated and was always involved with projects with his wife, son, John and sister, Vera. At an early age Lawrence learned the importance of serving others because of the help he had received from others.

     Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Martha, and son, Wayne Milton Cripps. He is survived by his wife Gina of the home; son, John Ellsworth Cripps and wife Melinda of Kearney, MO; step-son, Donovan Bankhead and wife Belinda of Springfield and step-daughter, Shannon Close and husband Charles of Houston, TX, brother, Ray Cripps and wife Karen of Ponca City, OK; sister, Vera Ellison and husband Floyd of Joplin, MO; niece, Kathy Gossen; nephews, Lonnie Cripps, and Rodney Cripps; extended family and special friends which include, George Leemasters, David Grubb, Vic Hines, and Paul Daniels just to name a few.

     Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2019 in the United Methodist Church in Nevada with Bob Beaver officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Moore Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 with a Masonic Service and Eastern Star Service to follow at 6:30 p.m.

         Memorials may be made to Masonic Home of Missouri, Disabled American Veterans, or Vernon County Cancer Relief in care of the Ferry Funeral Home.

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