Lawrence Allen Tewes' Obituary
LAWRENCE ALLEN TEWES
March 27, 1929-May24, 2020
Lawrence (Larry) Allen Tewes was born in Los Angeles, California to
Myrna Field Tewes and Lawrence Augustus Tewes on March 27, 1929. He grew
up mainly in Eagle Rock, a neighborhood in North East Los Angeles, and
graduated from Eagle Rock High School in 1947.
He attended college for three years. While at Eastern Washington College
in Cheney, he was drafted. He proudly served his country during the Korean
War as a Tin Can Sailor in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Fechteler,
and was Honorably Discharged in 1953.
He met his wife Nancy (Nan) through mutual friends, and they were
married October 8, 1955. Together they raised their family, one daughter and two
sons, in the San Fernando Valley. He enjoyed many Family Beach Campouts, and
was active in the El Cariso Golf Club, the San Fernando Elks Club, Sylmar Little
League, the Y.M.C.A., and St. Mark’s Church.
Larry had a thirty-five year career at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in
Pasadena, CA. He was an instrumental part of the Surveyor, Ranger, Magellan,
Galileo, Mariner, Seasat-A, Solar Transit Flight, and Artillery Defense projects. Larry
was featured on the PBS program NOVA as part of the team that built the Voice
Command Wheel Chair.
Larry and Nan retired in Lake Havasu City, Arizona where he continued
his passion for golf. They enjoyed boating on Lake Havasu, especially when their
family would visit! His many activities included the Lake Havasu City Elks Club,
Relics & Rods, and traveling with Nan throughout the U.S.A. His favorite trips
were Alaska and Hawaii.
After 18 years in Arizona, Larry and Nan returned to California to be
closer to their family. He loved their many multi-generational family
celebrations. For ten years Larry was an active member of the Escondido
Champagne Village Golf Club, and Lion’s Club. He was a 56 year member of the
Elks Club and 21 year member of the American Legion.
At the age of 91, Larry passed away on May 24th, 2020. He was blessed
with a long and happy life. Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years
Nancy, his children: Dana, Dale, Darryl, daughter-in-law Jody, 6 Grandchildren,
their Spouses, and 16 Great-Grandchildren.
A private ceremony will take place at Miramar National Cemetery in San
Diego, CA. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the following charities:
Disabled American Veterans, American Heart Association, The Skin Cancer
Foundation.
May God Grant him Eternal Peace.
What’s your fondest memory of Lawrence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lawrence?
Share a story where Lawrence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lawrence you’ll never forget.
How did Lawrence make you smile?
