Lawrence Fredrich Heman, 96, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at home on the Century Farm surrounded by his loving family, the same farm where he was born.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 206 Old W. Lexington Road, Levasy, Missouri 64066. A funeral service celebrating Lawrence’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the church. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery (Bone Hill Cemetery). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Beacon of Hope Hospice or Ebenezer Cemetery. Memories of Lawrence and condolences for his family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, Missouri 64067, 660-259-2245.

Lawrence was born on July 7, 1930, to Daniel John and Ida Louise (Dieckmeyer) Heman. He attended Bone Hill School for his first eight grades and graduated from Levasy High School in 1948. On December 17, 1954, Lawrence married the love of his life, Adeline Lessetta Grumke, at St. Luke’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Wellington, Missouri. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and love. Lawrence was a lifelong farmer who remained devoted to the family farm throughout his life. The farm became a Century Farm in 1999, a testament to generations of dedication to the land. Over the years, Lawrence worked with horses, raised cattle and hogs, and tended crops. Farming was more than an occupation to him—it was a way of life that connected him to his family, his community, and the land he loved. Faith was also an important part of Lawrence’s life. He was a lifelong member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ, having been a member for all 96 years of his life, and served on the church council and various committees. In 1955, he and Adeline were part of a group that began the Young Married Couples at the church that later became known as the Family Fellowship, creating a tradition of fellowship and togetherness that touched many lives.

Lawrence generously gave his time and talents to his community. His service included serving as a 4-H Horsemanship Leader, on the Missouri Extension Council, Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District, Wellington Fire Board, and Napoleon Elevator Board. He was also honored with an Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from the Wellington-Napoleon FFA Chapter. While Lawrence took great pride in his work and community service, his greatest joy was found in the people he loved. He cherished time spent with family and friends and in is his younger years enjoyed riding horses and his motorcycle, had a love for dogs, taking day trips, and visiting with friends and neighbors. In 2018, Lawrence and Adeline took a trip to the Northwest and in 2019, a trip to the Southwest both with Linda and Michael and on each of these trips he enjoyed seeing wild horses, a real highlight for him. He had a genuine appreciation for people and the simple pleasures of life, and his warmth and friendship will be remembered by all who knew him. Lawrence leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, service, and love for the land. His life was well lived, his roots ran deep, and the memories he created will continue to be treasured by his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of nearly 72 years, Adeline Heman of Buckner, MO; four children, Linda (Michael) Gulling of Butler, MO, Brenda (Gene) Lewis of Sibley, MO, Ronald (Anita) Heman of Napoleon, MO, and Karla (James) Barnett of Wellington, MO; 10 grandchildren, Jeff Lewis, Greg Lewis, Angie Lewis, Jennifer Gross, Laura Lewis, Clark Heman, Travis Heman, Melanie Jordan, Neal Barnett, and Valerie Klasing; 14 great-grandchildren, Jacob Lewis, Bailey Cox, Rebecca Gross, Avery Cox, Heather Gross, Payton Heman, Carly Heman, Claire Heman, Hayes Heman, Bennett Heman, Brittany Heman, Macklynn Barnett, Ivy Klasing, and Leighton Barnett; 2 great-great grandchildren, Gabriel Lewis and Hayden Lewis; and many relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Mitchell Lewis; a sister, Grace Thilking; and a brother, Ralph Heman.