Modern-day aquaculture founder Addison Lee Lawrence has passed away

Addison Lee Lawrence passed away Friday, October 14, 2022, after a distinguished academic career and a life of love and dedication to his family. He was born on December 19, 1935, to John T and Georgia Lee Lawrence in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1953 before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He continued his study at the University of Missouri, earning a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy degrees while also teaching at Westminster College. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University.

Dr. Lawrence 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 the 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 over 105 graduate students from many different 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.

Dr. Lawrence married Jacqueline Lee Vorhees in 1959. They welcomed Addison Vorhees, Duane Miller, Mark Lee, 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.

Dr. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Rose, children Addison, wife Debi; Duane, Mark, wife Jenny; Glenn, wife Beth; Debbie, husband Eric, Robbie, wife Brandy; Laurie, husband Wayne, 29 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren and many friends and colleagues.

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

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

There will be a visitation from noon on Sunday, October 23 at Corpus Christi Funeral Home followed by a Chapel Service at 1 PM. A graveside service will be held at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

One of Dr. Lawrence's passions was supporting education. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Dr. Lawrence, please 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 www.semo.edu/giving/.

The Aquaculturists

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