Reverend Lawrence V. Cartmill
May 26, 1920 -- April 15, 2009

The Reverend Lawrence V. Cartmill passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at St. Mary's Medical Center. Born on May 26th, 1920 in Chesapeake, Ohio, he was the son of the late James and Clara Cartmill. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Marvin, and five sisters, Naomi (Janie), Katherine, Virginia, Pauline and Louise. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ruby Lake Cartmill; son, Lawrence (Larry) V. Cartmill, Jr. and his wife Sandra; grandson Shane Cartmill and his wife Mendy, of Columbus, Ohio; and his "little buddy," great-grandson Riley Cartmill, to whom he was known as "Old Papa."

On Wednesday, the world lost a friend to all, and a man who led a long and very interesting life. Lawrence attended Barboursville High School, where he was state champion wrestler. He also was known for his boxing and checkers skills. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Marshall University and a Master's Degree from West Virginia University.

Lawrence was a minister, a soldier, postal worker and teacher. He served during World War II with General Patton's 1st Armored Division during the invasion of North Africa and Italy. Seeing combat at Kasserine Pass, El Guettar and Anzio Beach, Lawrence was an advance forward motorcycle scout responsible for escorting ammunition convoys to the tanks on the front lines. He often spoke of witnessing the bombing of the Benedictine Monastery during the Battle for Monte Casino.

Lawrence continued to serve with the U.S. Army at Pusan and Seoul during the Korean War. He attained the rank of Warrant Officer 4 before retiring with 33 years of service at the beginning of the Vietnam War. While not on active duty, Lawrence was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as the superintendent of the West Huntington and Guyandotte stations.

An ordained Wesleyan minister, Lawrence pastored churches in Huntington, Weirton and Pomeroy. While in the military, he served as a chaplain for a brief period in Osaka, Japan. Lawrence most enjoyed his career as a school teacher at his beloved Hannan High School in Mason County. He will be long remembered for enabling his students to take Senior trips throughout the United States.

In his free time, Lawrence became an expert on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War and was well-known for his lectures and lively discussions about both.

Lawrence had a passion for under-privileged children, never allowing a child that he was made aware of to go without food, school clothes or Christmas presents. He was an avid Marshall University football and Cincinnati Reds fan, and was known to armchair coach golf and hockey matches.

Lawrence's main mission in life was to witness his strong faith to all he met and ensure that everyone had the opportunity to experience true Christianity.

Funeral service 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington; burial at Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Matt Harris and staff, Hospice and the nursing staff of St. Mary's 4ST1. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.