Philip Wayne Lawrence, 76, of McConnelsville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio on September 17, 1949. Phil was a 1967 graduate of Morgan High School and a 1972 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance and was a member of ROTC.

Phil was a skilled tradesman who began his career building custom homes before becoming a state-certified electrician. He went on to own and operate Ridge Wind Electric, and the work of his hands can be found throughout the community. A master at his trade, Phil was always eager to lend a helping hand, especially to his family and friends. Phil was also very proud of his service with the Morgan Meigsville Rural Water District where he served as president for several years.

Phil had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and skilled marksman. He enjoyed sharing stories of his elk hunts in Wyoming and always looked forward to hunting season. He loved to share his knowledge of the outdoors and found the most joy in the successes of those hunting with him.

Above all, Phil was proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Phil is survived by his loving stepmother, Nina (Gibeaut) Lawrence; his children, Monica (Bradley) Stanley, Michele (Donald) Himes, and Aaron (Ali) Lawrence; his grandchildren, Rachael and Joseph Stanley, Hannah (Thomas) Pullem, Madalena and Olivia Himes, and Blake (Emma), Grace, and Gavin Lawrence; his grandson-in-law, Blake Butler, his great-grandson, Nathaniel Pullem; and his siblings, Steven Lawrence, Donna (Ron) White, Sherry (Jesse) Hooper, Deidre Turner, and Valerie (Steve) Williams.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents Roy Lawrence and Judith Ross Lawrence, his loving wife of 57 years, Rita Marie (Altier) Lawrence, and his granddaughters, Brooklyn Stanley and Mackenzie Lawrence Butler.

Friends and family may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at Miller-Huck Funeral Home in McConnelsville, followed by a prayer service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church in McConnelsville, with Father Tim Kozak as celebrant. Phil will be laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery, McConnelsville, with a reception following at the St. James Catholic Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to Morgan Local School District, 64 W. Union Ave. McConnelsville, OH 43756 with funds designate to the CTE Electrical Program.