Lawrence Edward Wortman, 89, died Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at his home in rural Wellsville, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Wortman was born June 24, 1929, the son of Clemens Herman Wortman and Edna (Kleinsorge) Wortman of Wellsville.

He was a life long farmer who kept abreast of changes in agriculture and wasn't afraid to experiment. He was an excellent mechanic who worked on his own machinery, built some of his own and repaired small motors and other things for neighbors and friends. He often was busy in his garden helping neighbors during snowstorms, or power outages, or other projects. Lawrence enjoyed hunting, primarily coon, coyote, squirrel and rabbit. He also liked photography and woodworking.

He was a 1947 graduate of Wellsville High School where he earned the State Farmer Degree while in FFA. He attended the University of Missouri at Columbia but the lure of the farm drew him back home.

Mr. Wortman was active in Trinity Lutheran Church of rural Wellsville, serving as an elder, treasurer and president of the congregation.

He was a member of the Wellsville Rural Fire Department Board and a long-time 4-H leader. He was a school bus driver for the Wellsville-Middletown R-I School District.

On June 24, 1950 he married Betty Irene McKnight. She survives at the home.

Other survivors include his daughter, Mary Pat Spiers and her husband Wally of Belleville, Il., a granddaughter, Alexandra "Allie" Kelley and her husband Daniel of Belleville Il., and a grandson Matthew Spiers of Wellsville.

He also is survived by two sisters, Doris Wehmeyer of Jefferson City, Mo., and Alice Mayer (Rev. Dick) of Bentonville, Ark; sister-in-law, Peggy McKnight of Wellsville; in addition to nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Joanna Lynn Spiers, and two brothers-in-law, Pat McKnight and Harold Wehmeyer.

Visitation was held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 22, 2019 at the Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Funeral services were at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Wellsville. Rev. Keith Clow officiated. Serving as organist was Eldora Lowry.

Burial was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Wellsville. Serving as pallbearers were Matthew Spiers, Danny Kelley, Steve Kleinsorge, Willis Kleinsorge, David McKnight and Mike McKnight.

Memorial contributions were suggested to Trinity Lutheran Cemetery Fund or Trinity Lutheran Church c/o Myers Funeral Home, 203 East Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.