Lawrence J. Wilms

Franklin Square - June 18, 2004 - Lawrence J. Wilms, age 86, of Franklin Square, died at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Blossom Nursing Center, Salem following a short illness.

Mr. Wilms was born October 18, 1917 in Youngstown, a son of the late Peter C. and Ellen Hanie Wilms and had lived in the area all of his life.

He had been employed as superintendent at the former Guide Company, Leetonia for several years. Later, he farmed and along with his wife, operated Wilm's Store and Greenhouse in Franklin Square for over 50 years. He had attended the Franklin Square United Methodist Church and was a charter member of the Leetonia Ruritan Club where he was a past president and had perfect attendance for many years. He was a founding member of the Franklin Square Heritage Day Association and had been a 4H advisor for many years.

His wife, the former Dorothy E. Garwood Entrikin, whom he married May 15, 1937, died July 27, 1986.

He is survived by his companion, Ida Mae Mellott; three daughters, Evelyn Campbell of Leetonia, Eileen Russell of Washingtonville, and Linda Durham of Leetonia; three sons, Melvin Wilms of Salem, Larry Wilms of Minerva, and John Wilms of Leetonia; a sister, Ruth Dlwgosh of Youngstown; 26 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

A daughter, Sue Dressler and a brother, John Wilms are also deceased.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia with the Reverend Enzie Wade officiating. Burial will follow in Franklin Square Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday. If friends desire, memorial may be directed to the Leetonia Ruritan Club Scholarship Fund.