Lawrence Patrick Dunlevy

Lawrence Patrick Dunlevy: July 1956 – August 29, 2026

Cultural explosions, geopolitical upheavals, and meaningful change in the US and world were 1956’s hallmarks.

Rock and roll was in its infancy. TVs began televising in color; transistor radios were introduced; films, plays, and TV show plots often entailed moral vignettes illustrating dilemmas that could be ethically resolved in 30 minutes. The Civil Rights Movement’s cornerstone for needed change in the USA was set and worldwide uprisings demanded long-overdue justice.

Enter Lawrence (Larry) Patrick Dunlevy in mid-July to mother, Isabel Ellsworth Dalrymple Dunlevy and father, Richard Alfred Dunlevy. Often called “Larry,” he preferred “Lawrence.” Lawrence was his mother’s third child and the baby of the family. His mother’s first husband (Lawrence Kleinman, killed in WWII fighting the fascists)—for whom Lawrence was named—fathered Isabel’s first child, Deanna Jean. Her second child, Richard Gerald Dunlevy, was named after Lawrence’s father, Isabel’s second husband.

While some benefited from rising incomes, higher wages, and low inflation, hidden poverty caused about 25% of the country to live below poverty. Lawrence’s humble beginnings didn’t faze his happiness, fun-loving pranks, love of learning, and quest for musical knowledge.

Yet the instability associated with poverty and the constant address and school changes took its toll resulting in Lawrence’s desire to work his way out of poverty toward stability. In 1966, his family moved from Dayton to the New Carlisle area. Here his beloved stepfather, Archie Tipton, helped to provide the stability needed for Lawrence to finish New Carlisle Junior High and graduate from Tecumseh High School in 1974. Thereafter, he attended Wright State University having to take a many-year-pause due to the 1975 recession.

Times were tough so what did Lawrence do? He married sweetheart Cynthia McIntire, and both tried to scratch out a living. Employers posted “NO” signs at their entrances telling job seekers to move along. Thankfully Lawrence’s boyhood friend, Rick Campbell (who had enlisted in the military), recommended Lawrence for a job at the Brubaker Grain Elevator. Lawrence got the job which helped to keep a roof over the couple’s head and put food on the table.

Over the years, Lawrence was promoted to silo foreman. For over 20 years he managed harvests, the silo employees, and the workings of a complex system that would help feed the world. As he worked the long hours of harvest—sometimes 100 hours a week—he read the classics and sharpened his mind in preparation of returning to college.

In 1978, Lawrence and Cynthia were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Laura. For weeks he walked around with a smile that looked like he had swallowed a coat hanger. Laura was daddy’s little girl, and Lawrence was protective daddy. He was there when she skinned her knees, comforted her when her first love ended, walked her down the aisle, and celebrated her academic achievements. And, Laura was there when her daddy returned to Wright State, both often studying at the dining room table after dinner while cheering each other on through difficult courses.

After years of working and going to college, Lawrence earned his BS in psychology from Wright State University. Thereafter, he worked for Miami County Children Services saving children for over 20 years while working with several wonderful colleagues, court personnel, CASA, foster parents, and families. He retired in 2021.

Retirement presented a challenge because while Lawrence and the love of his life, Cynthia, planned to travel, take courses, and breathe, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like most difficult times in Lawrence’s life, he took it in stride retreating into his love of music, walks and talks with Cynthia, and projects around the house.

In 2024, a routine lung scan revealed a suspicious spot. A biopsy confirmed Stage I lung cancer. Medical providers predicted an excellent outcome because the cancer was caught so early. Yet cancer is insidious and stupid because it attacks the host that allows it to live.

Lawrence endured chemo and immunotherapies that caused his hair to fall out, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and more. He underwent 30 painful radiation treatments, several tests, and was poked and prodded to the point of exasperation. He and Cynthia rode the cancer roller coaster of good news, then not-so-good news to terrible news in less than two years.

On August 29, 2026, Cynthia said goodbye to the love of her life of 50+ years and Laura said goodbye to her dear daddy.

Cynthia misses Lawrence’s evening serenades, his hugs, his positive outlook, and his reassurances that “It will be okay” in times of trouble. Laura misses her father’s love, encouragement, and steadfast support through triumphs and tears.

Lawrence is survived by his beloved wife of 51+ years Cynthia, his dear daughter Laura, his half-sister, Deanna Jean (Kleinman) Albert, his brother, Richard Gerald Dunlevy (Sandy), Sisters-in-Law Virginia (McIntire) Flanagan (Tim), Kathleen (McIntire) Friedman (Harry), two brothers-by-other-mothers, Ron Fryer and Harry Petty, several nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his much-loved cat, T-Rex. His beloved mother, father, and stepfather predeceased Lawrence.

The Heavens blessed us when Lawrence was sent our way. His kind, gentle, generous, fun-loving spirit will be a wonderful addition to Heaven and terribly missed here. Cynthia and Laura believe Lawrence was welcomed with a hardy, “Well done!” as he arrived at the wide-open Pearlie Gates. Cynthia and Laura vow to love and honor him the rest of their lives.

A private grave-side service will be held.

A private Celebration of Life will be held October 4, 2026. Please let us know if you would like to attend https://forms.gle/A5vKFEkUYNvYUyt87

Lawrence requested that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/promotion/impact-giving-pm.html