Lawrence Bowling, Jr., 79, of Bronston, Ky., departed this life on Tuesday, March 12 at his residence.

He was born on March 26, 1933, in Chavies, to the late Lawrence and Sadie Stamper Bowling. He had previously worked as a press operator for Trane Company.

He was a Mason for 55 years, being a member of Krypton Masonic Lodge No. 905, Burnside Masonic Lodge No. 634, Mt. Gilead Masonic Lodge No. 255, past Master of Otter Creek Lodge No. 530, Hazard Masonic Lodge No. 676 and a lifetime member of Lexington Scottish Rite. He was of the Presbyterian faith.

He is survived by his wife, Leola Sandlin, whom he married on August 25, 1956, in Buckhorn; sons Lawrence James Bowling of Jeff and Larry Jeffery Bowling of Hazard; daughters Georgina Stamper of Bronston and Susan Banks of Vicco; grandchildren Hubert and Shaun Banks of Vicco, Albert and Adam Stamper of Somerset, and Jamie Bowling of Jeff; and many great grandchildren.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Don Bowling.

Arrangements were handled by Lake Cumberland Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at the Buckhorn Presbyterian Church on Friday, March 15 with Pastor Tom Burns officiating. Burial was in the U. S. Government Cemetery.

The family request expressions of sympathy be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, Kentucky 42503.