SOUTH PARIS – Lawrence A. Strout, 89, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Market Square Health Care Center in South Paris, Maine. He was born on Nov. 11, 1931, in Auburn. The fifth child of Charles R. and Lottie V.H. Strout, he attended schools in Auburn and Augusta, Maine.

He married Caroline Wetherby on Jan. 12, 1952. He served in the USA Army until 1954, then worked as a meat cutter, and later as a hand sewer in the shoe industry before organizing his own shoe company, Lawrence Shoe in Lewiston. Finally, he and his wife owned and operated the Dairy Joys in Lewiston and Auburn until their retirement.

When his children were young, he enjoyed time as a Little League Baseball coach and as a Cub Scout Leader. Later, he became a member of the Kora Temple Shrine and participated in their many community activities. A self taught man, he enjoyed learning and traveling the world with a deep passion for family, lake activities at the family camp, art, and the game of golf. In retirement, summers were spent at Tacoma Lake in Monmouth, Maine and winters in Venice, Fla. He was the quintessential helper, always advising and supporting the efforts of others, topped with his warm and easy smile.

He was predeceased by his parents and six siblings. He is survived by his wife Caroline; and their children, Joan Simard, Lawrence Strout Jr, and his wife Tonya, and David Strout. He had 17 great-grandchildren and eight grandchildren and stepgrandchildren, Matthew Simard (Mariah), Meghan Chamberlain (Joshua), Erica Richardson (Zack), Allison Guide (Joshua), Alex Strout (Benjamin Allen), Katelyn St. Pierre (Justin), Kristin Dowling (Parker) and Nichole Warren (Ian).

Visitation will be at Fortin’s in Auburn on Thursday, March 11, from 4 to 5 p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at the same location. All attendees are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing per CDC regulations.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and tributes by signing the online guestbook at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of The Fortin Group 217 Turner St. Auburn.

Memorial donations

in Lawrence’s memory

may be made to:

Kora Shrine Temple

11 Sabattus Street

Lewiston, ME 04240

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