Obituary of Lawrence Warren Maher

Dr. Lawrence Warren Maher, Jr. July 16, 1941 - February 07, 2011 Dr. Lawrence Warren Maher Jr. passed away at The Methodist Hospital with his family by his side. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, the love of his life, Dr. Lorena Ward Maher; son Dr. Lawrence W. Maher III and wife Dr. Gayla M. Maher; daughter Mindy L. Mullery and husband Ed Mullery; daughter Lalaine M. O’ Neal and husband John E. O’Neal Jr.; son Captain Marcus A. Maher and fiancée Lisa A. Renaud; and grandchildren Lawrence W. Maher IV, Jacqueline E. Maher, Wyatt J. Maher, Alyssa A. Mullery, Camille M. Mullery, Arlen J. Addison, Aaron-Daniel E. O’Neal, and Abigail L. O’Neal; sister Catherine J. Maher; brother George L. Maher and wife Laina G. Maher; sister-in-law Mary Beth Maher; sister-in-law Susan A. Ward; brother-in-law Stanford D. (Dan) Ward and wife Dr. Pamela Ward; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles R. Maher. Dr. Maher was born in Houston, Texas to Lawrence Warren Maher and Gladys Conway Maher of Baytown, Texas. He was raised in Baytown, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, Lee College as a member of the Hall of Fame, and the University of Texas Dental Branch Houston. He served in Montgomery, Alabama as a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam Conflict. In 1967, at age 25, he opened his solo dental practice in La Porte, Texas. In 1983 he built the office building on Fairmont Parkway, across from La Porte City Hall. After practicing dentistry for 37 years, Dr. Maher retired leaving his practice in the capable hands of his son Dr. Lawrence W. Maher III and wife Dr. Gayla May Maher. Dr. Maher mentored several young people interested in dentistry by having them look over his shoulder, as he performed dental procedures. Dr. Maher’s outstanding sense of humor will always be remembered fondly by all of his patients and staff. Dr. Maher was a Life Member of the Texas Dental Association, a member of the University of Texas Dental Branch Alumni Association, and the Den-Pac Century Club. Dr. Maher was a member of the Baytown Dental Study Club for 45 years, maintaining his attendance even in retirement. Dr. Maher was a senior member of The Houston Yacht Club for 40 years, and a member of the La Porte Rotary for many years. Dr. Maher was a life long sailor and game hunter. In retirement, he and his beloved wife Rene had more time to spend with family and friends, and more time to sail the Remila II and visit their ranch in South Texas, The Maher Frio River Ranch, 80 miles down river from were they met at Garner State Park at ages 16 and 17. Dr. Maher never met a stranger. He could make anyone feel comfortable in his presence. He always maintained contact with family and friends, and was always there to help. He was loved and respected by his large family and circle of friends. He was truly a gentleman, hunter, sailor, and friend to all. Services will be held on Friday, February 11, at 2:30pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 815 South Broadway, La Porte, followed by the burial at the La Porte Cemetery. For those so desiring, contributions may be made to the Dr. Lorena Ward Maher and Dr. Lawrence Warren Maher Jr. Endowed Scholarship, in care of the Lee College Foundation, Lee College, PO Box 818, Baytown, Texas 77520.