Andy Lawrence

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected passing of Andrew "Andy" John Lawrence of Kansas City, MO on January 31, 2021, at the age of 40. Andrew "Andy" John Lawrence was born on July 30, 1980, to Charles "Chuck" and Linda Lawrence in Takoma Park, Maryland. He was also welcomed into the family by his brother Jeffrey G. Lawrence. 

Andy was baptized in 1981 at All Saints Lutheran Church, in Bowie, Maryland. Andy continued as an active member of the Lutheran Church during his childhood and youth. 

From an early age Andrew was called Andy due to his fun and easy-going personality. Andrew was just too formal. Andy was very competitive with his older brother, even though he was four years his senior. They personified the term "sibling rivalry" in all manner of activities. Running up and down the water slide trying to beat each other to the top comes to mind. When Jeff was married, he introduced Andy to cigar smoking. Hopefully, no other vices were involved.

Andy graduated from Joplin High School in 1999, where he excelled in academics. He then continued his education at the local community college and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing at Missouri Southern State University in 2003. 

After graduating college, Andy moved to Kansas City after accepting a position at Citibank where he decided that the office environment was not adventurous enough. He was accepted into the Kansas City Police Academy to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer and graduated from the Academy on December 13, 2012, further proving to those around him that he was always thinking of others first. He was willing and ready to serve his community. 

Andy was well respected by his fellow officers and always volunteered to help with any assignment that he was given. Andy never knew a stranger and was loved by everyone he met.

In 2009, Andy met the love of his life Carrie (Janssens) and they married at Christ the King Church on April 14, 2012. Together they built the life they dreamed of. They enjoyed traveling, creating memories with friends, and just spending time in each other's company. They enjoyed their "day dates" together of attending Royals, Chiefs, and KU basketball games together. Andy's favorite parts were always the tailgating. 

Andy also developed a love for cycling. His wife and father-in-law will miss his desire to explore new trails and take the long relaxing ride with him. His friends will miss exploring his love for lagers and ales, his constant kindness, loving personality, and all things lake related. 

Carrie and Andy had two children, Kaitlyn and Adam. He was the proudest father and loved family activities. He was adoring and compassionate, encouraging each of their journeys with great enthusiasm. He loved waking them up and going on bike rides all over the city. He loved to take them on various activities, such as the zoo, ice skating, playgrounds, and to help his kids accomplish more "ninja" skills. Andy loved having family vacations planned, as it was always something to look forward to. While on vacation, he made sure every minute was always on the go, even if that meant he had to carry Adam back for miles and miles. Every day was a new adventure, and they wouldn't change it for the world.

Andy was a true treasure. He was gracious and humble and always had a smile on his face. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow officers.

Andy was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Nettie Picker; Guy and Grace Lawrence; and Best Friend Matt Gonzales.

Survivors include his wife Carrie, children Kaitlyn and Adam Lawrence; His beloved golden retriever Ally; parents Charles (Chuck) and Linda of Joplin, MO; Brother and sister in law Jeffrey and Sara Lawrence of Chesterfield, MO along with his nieces and nephew Francesca, Alexandra, and Zachary; Mother and Father in Law Carl and Connie Janssens of Kansas City, MO; Sister and brother in law Carla and Jon Messbarger of Lee's Summit, MO; Sister in law Connie Janssens of Kansas City; His sector mates of the Kansas City, MO police department at the south patrol division day shift 30 sector; extended family and close friends.

A visitation will be held Saturday, February 6th from 10-11am with a service following at 11am, both at Forerunner Church 12444 Grandview Rd.; Grandview, MO 64030. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Raytown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for the children's education to the Andrew Lawrence Memorial Fund at the Greater KC Public Credit Union 2800 E. 14th Street, Kansas City, MO 64127.