Obituary: Douglas Atkins Lawrence, age 76

Douglas Atkins Lawrence, age 76 and longtime resident of Groton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at the Keystone Rehabilitation & Nursing center in Leominster, after his battle with long term illness.

He was born in Ayer, on October 22, 1942, the third son of Thomas S. and Helen D. (Yapp) Lawrence. He was raised and early educated in Groton and later graduated from Lowell Trade H.S. in 1961.

Early in his work career, Doug was employed at San-Val in Littleton, Canavino & Shea in Leominster, and for a brief term, a police officer for the town of Groton when he began a family. 

He later proceeded to embark on a long career as a heavy equipment operator working for several large local construction companies in the area with names including DeRosa Bros. and Pacella Corp. He was a talented and experienced operator and took great pride in the numerous projects that he completed through the years. 

Doug had many natural talents and could fix or build almost anything. He completed many interior and exterior projects with ease and enjoyment. His greatest love was working on and maintaining his own vehicles, especially his antique 1962 Chevy Corvette. He enjoyed the outdoors attending flea markets, car shows and trips to the ocean as well as working in the yard and tending his large bountiful vegetable garden. Most recently, his greatest enjoyment was spending as much time as possible with his grown daughters and his grandchildren. 

Mr. Lawrence is survived by his three daughters, Camilla D. Finlay-Boyle of Groton; Deborah A. Hopkins of Shirley; and Rebecca S. and her husband Gerald Sullivan of Townsend; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother Thomas S. Lawrence Jr. of Maine; and sister Brenda J. Walantis of Cape Cod. His brothers James M. Lawrence and Calvin T. Lawrence predeceased him, as well as the mother of his children and former wife, Mary D. (Manning) Lawrence.

Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Doug “Butch” for a period of visitation on Wednesday August 14, 2019 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton, with a graveside service following at the Groton Cemetery, Hollis St. Groton.

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Groton.  To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.badgerfuneral.com.