Lawrence O. Hafer

Lawrence O. Hafer, age 81, of Columbus, passed away January 10, 2015 at his home surrounded by love. Heaven called looking for a sidekick for John Wayne's next movie and he just couldn't turn down the opportunity.

"Bud" was born September 22, 1933 in Ross County, Ohio to Lawrence R. and Ernestine (Hunter) Hafer. He enjoyed westerns, OSU football, Civil War history and traveling (especially the years he spent driving a semi-truck). He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Korean War. He retired from Sutphen Corporation, a fire truck manufacturer. His exceptional memory, knowledge and gentleness will be greatly missed.

Survived by his wife of 30 years, Georgeanna; children, Dianna (Bob) Dardinger, Larry Hafer, Tammy (Mike) Brown, Dixie (Steve) Click, Cindy (Gary) Minter, Nancy (Nick) Rotonda, Randy Lamer; siblings Betty Gagnon, Jack Hafer; 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; special nephew Tim Wilson, several other nieces and nephews; special friend Scott Crawford. Preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Betty (Strueve) Hafer; special mother-in-law Leona Westwood; children Curt Dawson, Richard and James Mullen; siblings Marie Nichols, Frank and Fritz Hafer.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm at Newcomer Funeral Home in Grove City. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11am at the funeral home, with Danny Dahl officiating. Private burial will follow at the Grove City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mt. Carmel Hospice.