Lawrence E. Levret, 99, of Kelly, KS, died Saturday, December 6, 2003, at a care home. in Shawnee, KS. He had been a resident there since June of 2001.

He was born June 23, 1904, on a farm north of Goff, KS, the son of August and Emma Jacobs Levret. Lawrence attended Sunny Knoll School near his home and graduated from Goff High School in 1926. He worked on the family farm and built bridges for Gerald Stevens in Wilson, Marshall, Nemaha and Brown Counties. In 1928 Lawrence purchased a truck and started Levret Truck Line. He hauled mostly cattle and grain to St. Joseph, Kansas City, Omaha and Atchison. Lawrence kept his business active until 1988 when he retired after 60 years of trucking.

On June 7, 1938, he married Hilda A. Altenhofen at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. They lived in Kelly for many years. They celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries.

He was a member of St. Bede’s Church and the St. Joseph Society at the church at Kelly, and a life member of the Knights of Columbus in Seneca. He was also a member of the Kansas Motor Carriers of Topeka for over 60 years and the Commerce Club of Goff. He enjoyed working in his shop, fishing, and being with his children, grandchildren and many friends.

Survivors besides his wife Hilda are a son, Larry Levret of Overland Park, KS; a daughter Ruthann Fein of Westwood Hills, KS; a sister, Marjorie Huerter of Kansas City, KS; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Francis “Frenchy” Levret, and a sister, Helen Altenhofen.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 9, at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 8 PM Monday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for St. Bede’s Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.