Tributes

Lawrence Frank Schenk, or Boss, as he was lovingly referred to by his family, was received into the arms of our Lord, on Sunday August 15th, 2021. He was a proud husband of 67 years to Betty Gail Price Schenk, and a loving father of their 5 children and grandfather/great-grandfather to their respective children. Those family members include his daughters, eldest, Caron Wilson, her daughter Jana and Jana’s daughter Riley. Boss was preceded in death by Caron’s son Doug and survived by Doug’s wife Jamie and son Doak and daughter Reagan. Boss’s second daughter Cresia Matzke (husband Gary) with son Gary Jr. and daughter Creana. Boss’s third daughter Lauren Kempf (husband Garrett) and their daughter Delaney. Boss’s fourth daughter Lana von Scheele (husband Tim) and Lana’s two sons Brandon and Cache. The youngest of Boss’s children, his son, Bexar Schenk (wife Kelly) and their daughter Bailey. Born January 10th, 1932, in Schulenburg, TX, Lawrence, decided he needed to find his own way in this world, and enlisted in the US Military directly after High School. He traveled all over the globe including England, Japan, and Germany which he proudly spent learning numerous skills to sculpt him into the man he was to become. Repairing radios, and keeping his unit laughing with his humorous sarcasm, he was able to get along with anyone, and was respected by all who knew him. It is here that he met his wife and moved on from the military, moving to San Antonio, and working for Alamo Welding where he learned how to run a business around welding and selling welding supplies. In the military he learned to be a leader and he knew with a strong reputation for being a hard worker and unwavering dependability, he could gather the resources to start his own business, and be able to secure a comfortable life for his wife and family. Working day and night to go above and beyond for his first customers, which Lawrence’s previous employer had graciously supplied to him, due to having such an honorable reputation and drive. He built Welder’s Supply Company from the ground up, and soon was able to grow and provide more jobs to the community. Truly earning the respect, trust, and confidence of all that knew him, and now was recognized by his silhouette of a proud man in his cowboy hat. He was never without it, and when he sat, his hat always sat safely in a chair, not to be touched by anyone again until he was ready to claim it for himself once again. It was during this time that he honorably served on the Bexar County Sheriffs Reserves for 18 years. Many may recall a traffic stop from him, and being let off with only a warning, saying “good to see ya”. His patrol car, with he and his partner in there positions behind the wheel were one of the long line of patrol cars that appeared in the chase scene of the Burt Reynolds film, Sugarland Express. After his children got a little bit older he became active in the FFA, bidding and buying many show animals for the beginning years at the Walter Gerlach Showbarn. Lawrence has been recognized as a lifetime sponsor of the Helotes Cornyval Rodeo, where every year one of the bucking shoots proudly and in its brilliance, displays Welders Supply Co. of 35 years. It made him so proud to know that he was able to happily assure the prospering of this festival, one that brings so much joy, happiness, and South Texas culture to us all. Holding on to his roots in Schulenburg, his home town, he joined the Hermann Sons Lodge, and served on the council for decades, becoming the president of his local lodge for several terms over the decades and Vice President for even more. He was also awarded a scholarship by the Hermann Sons in his name for students wanting to learn the craft that had made him into the proud man he was, welding. The Lawrence Schenk Scholarship. He also enjoyed spending time at his ranch, where he had a herd of cattle that he took care of. Feeling the soul of a true cowboy at heart, and the love of country western music, he became a talented guitar player and vocalist for his band, South Texas, where he entertained us all, decade after decade, a very impressive showman. While stoic, those of us that knew him best, knew how much he loved the spotlight, eating up every second of a spirited crowd of dancing cowboys and cowgirls. There is so much more to say and honor about this tall handsome man in his cowboy hat. A man who brought so much joy, laughter, and memories to so many. While we know he will always be in our hearts and minds, this world has lost a remarkable man, and his laughter will echo in our souls for the joy he gave to the world, and all we wish we could give back to him. His hat waiting to be claimed again on the chair at Lords table. A husband, a father, and grandfather. We love you Boss. God bless.

Tributes

Lawrence Frank Schenk

January 10, 1932 - August 15, 2021