Lawrence Eldon Atwood, Sr., age 86, of Wellston, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 20, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his family.  He was born July 20, 1935 at home in Byer, Ohio to the late Ernest E. Atwood and Pearl Marie Betts Atwood.  Lawrence was a 1953 graduate of Wellston High School.  He was proud to be a Veteran of the United States Navy and always enjoyed his ship reunions.  Lawrence was a COTA bus driver in Columbus for 30 years before retiring with his wife to Ray, Ohio.  He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and watching THE Ohio State Buckeyes, but spending time with his family was his greatest pleasure.  Lawrence was a loving man with a funny personality and was faithful in all aspects of life.  He was a beloved member of the Wellston Church of God, and an active, well-respected member of the community.  Lawrence is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jeanette Ruth (Reed) Atwood; 5 children, Penny Bobo of Wellston, Lawrence Atwood, Jr. (Karen) of Powell; Fran Carter (Bill) of Byer, Mike Atwood of Wellston and Melinda Petersen (Dave) of Eugene, OR; along with 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Tim; granddaughter, Randi; son-in-law, David Bobo; and 9 siblings.  Calling hours will be Friday, September 24th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Funeral service will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Barry Benson officiating.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com .