Addison Lawrence

PORTLAND, Texas -- Addison Lee Lawrence of Portland passed away Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at Corpus Christi, Texas, after a distinguished academic career and a life of love and dedication to his family.

He was born Dec. 19, 1935, to John T. and Georgia Lee Lawrence in Cape Girardeau.

He graduated from Bloomfield (Missouri) High School in 1953 before earning a bachelor of science degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He continued his study at University of Missouri, earning master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees while also teaching at Westminster College. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University.

Addison worked at several universities, with most of his time spent at Texas A&M University, from which he retired in 2015. After 38 years' service, he retired as a Regent Fellow, Senior Faculty Fellow, Project Leader and Scientist in Chief for Texas A&M AgriLife Research and as a member of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and Intercollegiate Faculty of Nutrition.

He was known internationally for work promoting shrimp mariculture. An advocate for education and research, the promotion of this industry led him to travel the world. His family and friends loved his stories of travel and adventure. His work in developing shrimp growth facilities was featured in "In the School of Innovation, Less is Often More," a feature article in The New York Times in 2011. He mentored more than 105 graduate students from many countries and cultures. One of his favorite academic collaborators was his brother, John Miller Lawrence, professor emeritus of the University of South Florida. Their combined work continues to influence marine science.

Addison married Jacqueline Lee Vorhees in 1959. They welcomed Addison Vorhees, Duane Miller, Mark Lee and Glenn Lee before Jacqueline's death in 1967. He married Katherine Marie Johnson. Their daughter, Debbie Marie, was born in 1970. He married Rose Anne in 2005, welcoming Robbie Eikel, wife Brandy, and Laurie Thompson, husband Wayne, to his loving circle of family.

Addison is survived by his wife, Rose; children, Addison, wife Debi; Duane; Mark, wife Jenny; Glenn, wife Beth; Debbie, husband Eric; Robbie, wife Brandy; and Laurie, husband Wayne; 29 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many friends and colleagues.

Addison was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Georgie Lee Lawrence, and wife, Jacqueline Lawrence.

Addison's academic work will continue to live on. However, his family and friends remember a consequential life well lived.

Visitation and chapel service were held Oct. 23 at Corpus Christi Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

One of Addison's passions was supporting education. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Addison, consider donating to the John T. and Georgia Lee Lawrence Scholarship Fund, Southeast Missouri University Foundation; One University Plaza, MS 7300; Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Donations may also be made at semo.edu/giving/.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.