Lawrence Lee Stamm
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Lawrence Lee Stamm, age 76, of Du Quoin, was welcomed in to heaven on Nov. 11, 2011 by his parents, Ralph and Kate Stamm.
Lawrence was born at home in Elkville, Illinois on April 8, 1935. He was raised in the Elkville, Dowell, Hallidayboro area all of his life. In 1972 he and two sisters moved to Du Quoin where he lived until 2010. Lawrence moved to Terrace Drive, a group home sponsored by Five Star Industries, in August 2010. He was moved to West Frankfort Family Care Center in October, where he lived briefly before his passing.
Lawrence's parents, two infant siblings, one brother, Clarence Stamm and one niece, Londa Sullivan, preceded him in death.
Lawrence is survived by his sisters; Connie Blevins of Hiawatha, Kansas, Velma Stamm of Du Quoin, Illinois, Clara Stamm of Elkville, Illinois, Lillie Owens (his twin sister) of Kirkwood, Missouri, Golda Sullivan of Elkville, Illinois and Jane Pierce, and husband Cole, of Du Quoin, Illinois. He also has several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews surviving.
Lawrence, known by his family and close friends as "Iky," had three main things in life he enjoyed: Cardinal baseball, fishing and working at Five Star Industries. Iky was one of the oldest living clients at Five Star, having been there since 1975. The staff and clients at Five Star adored him; he always wore a smile to work. Lawrence had the privilege and opportunity several times to go to Cardinal baseball games with Five Star staff and friends. He always had his favorite player and was proud of the memorabilia he would bring home from the game.
Iky never met a stranger; everyone was his "buddy." Many in Du Quoin may remember him as the fellow who sat in the yard at his modest brown trailer on highway 51 and waved to passers-by. He loved being outside, whether he was watching birds, playing ball or fishing. Lawrence's most favorite pastime was fishing. He looked forward to the Bleyer Lake fishing tournament every year. He also enjoyed fishing with his older brother and brother-in-law when they were younger.
Lawrence did not have the privilege of obtaining an education. He was taught how to do daily chores and activities by his father, Ralph Stamm. He did not learn to read, write or do arithmetic, however, he learned and exhibited the most important things in life. . . be kind, be accepting and lend a helping hand to your fellow man. He loved people for who they were, enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and was enduring to all who knew him.
Lawrence, "Iky," will be greatly missed by his friends and family. There is an empty place in the hearts and lives of family, friends and staff at Five Star Industries, that will never be filled with anyone but him.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 at 3:00 p.m at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Pastors Bill Nordstrom and John Nordstrom officiating.
Friends called from 1 to 3 p.m, Tuesday, at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial was at the Hallidayboro Cemetery at Hallidayboro.
Friends may make memorials to Five Star Industries and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.