Herbert "Allen" Lawrence Jr., 79, of Benton, stepped into eternity on Thursday morning, April 30 at 7:27 a.m.  He was born to Herbert and Elsie Lawrence on December 25, 1946 in Benton, Arkansas.  His grandparents were Tommy & Annie Lawrence and David & Ruby Johnson.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Elsie Lawrence; his son, Matthew Lawrence; and his grandson, Wyatt Allen Lawrence.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Glenis Lawrence; two sons, Brent Lawrence (Kayla) of Tull and David Lawrence (Natalie) of Bigelow.  He was blessed with 10 amazing grandchildren, Allissa Lawrence, Emalee Lawrence, Mattie Lawrence, Israel Lawrence, Isaac Lawrence, Eden Rose Lawrence, Brayden Lawrence, Audrey Lawrence, Finley Lawrence, and Karley Lawrence.  He is also survived by his sister, Alene Moore (Steve) of Benton; brother, Tommy Lawrence (Cathy) of Bauxite; and a nephew, Don Lawrence (Connie) of Bismarck.

Allen answered his country's call in 1967 when he joined the US Navy.  His time serving in the Navy instilled the discipline and character that carried him throughout his life.  After being honorably discharged, he came home to Benton to begin his career serving in the public sector.

He was a fireman and a police officer for the city of Benton.  Allen eventually became a deputy sheriff for Saline County, many times being the only deputy Saline County had on duty.  He was a peacemaker, holding that character trait very dear to his heart.

Allen was a small business owner for a time and eventually rounding out his employment back in Saline County as a heavy equipment mechanic.

He lived life to the fullest.  He was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, and anything his boys would do, Allen was right there with them.  He had the energy of a 17 year old until he was in his later years of life.

Allen was a generous man, opening his heart to anyone who was hurting or in need.  He loved his family fiercely and there was nothing more important to him.  Allen always said the only thing he would ask of the Lord was for his family to be in good health and be safe.

He enjoyed the simple things in life, watching the sunset at the lake or at the beach and time in the woods waiting for the "Big One" to step out but always with one of his boys at his side.

Allen was one of a kind and he was our one of a kind.  He was loyal and forgiving, never holding a grudge against anyone, a true peacemaker.

Celebration of Allen's Life will be held at Ashby Funeral Home with visitation on Wednesday, May 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  A graveside service will be held at Mt. Harmony Cemetery in Haskell on Thursday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m.  Russ Rhodes will be officiating.

Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate Allen's Life with us.  He would thoroughly enjoy that!