Lawrence Gene Winans

Lawrence Gene Winans, age 72 of Champion, Ohio, died at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at the Hospice House of Poland following a battle with cancer. Mr. Winans was born on December 14, 1940 in Warren, Ohio, the son of the late Francis and Roxie Yoxtheimer Winans. Larry was a 1958 graduate of Fowler High School and was retired from GM Lordstown Car Plant. Some of Larry's greatest joys were golfing, he had two hole-in-ones; he loved to cook; he was a very avid Ohio sports fan, especially the Cleveland Browns, Indians, Cavaliers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a very active member in his church, Grace Fellowship in Niles for the last two years and was an active member at his former church of 35 years at Assembly of God Church on Parkman Road. He was an honorably discharged US Army Veteran, serving during peacetime. Other than his parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by his siblings, Marie Lattimer, Robert, Raymond, and Daniel Winans. Survivors include his wife, the former JoAnn Pettit, whom he married on November 18, 1967; his children, Shelley R. (Don) Johnson of Bristolville and Steven Francis (Tracy) Winans of Howland; five grandchildren, Tamara Winans, Brittany (Steve) Douglas, Devon Johnson, Gabriella Winans, and Jacey Winans; and one great-grandson, Brody Lawrence Douglas. Several siblings also survive, Donna (Bill) Connor of Stuart, FL, Bessie Thorpe of Bazetta, Norma (Gene) Burns of Gustavus, Barbara Ann (Scott) Hopkins of Warren, Susie (Sam) Barricella of Youngstown, Rick (Kathy) Winans of Conway, SC, Harold Winans of Warren and Lori Zuzolo of Bazetta. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Grace Fellowship in Niles where Pastor Derek Boivin and Rev. Matthew Lowe will celebrate Lawrence's life. Family and friends may visit from 9:00 AM 11:00 AM at the church prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lane Family Funeral Homes, Shafer-Winans Chapel in Cortland.