Lawrence Edsel Gilmer

Born February 9, 1935, in Tyler, MO to Fredrick Douglas Gilmer and Jennie Calico Davis. He was the thirteenth child born of this union. Lawrence graduated from Hayti Central High School in Missouri in 1954. In June Lawerence enlisted in the United States Air Force. There he went to MIT for Computer Automated Radar Systems. Lawrence graduated in 1960 and became the first black Aircraft Controller of Fighter Jets at Tyndall Air Force base in Panama City, FL.

During the Vietnam War Lawrence had overseas assignments in Alaska, Italy, Germany, France Norway, England, Thailand and Japan. In 1969 Lawrence received advanced control training at Tyndall Air Force base to work in the AWAC (Airborne Warning and Control) division. He also spent a year in Vietnam assigned to JSOC(Joint Services Operation Control) coordinating the efforts of all the branches of American Armed Forces (Navy, Air Force, Army & Marines).

After the Vietnam War he was assigned to NORAD (North America Air Defense) at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs for 4 years until he retired in 1976. During his military career Lawrence was awarded the Bronce Star with honors and the National Defense Medal among others.

Lawrence accepted a position as an Air Traffic Controller for Commercial Aircraft with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in Los Angeles, CA. in 1975. After the attack on September 11, 2001, Lawrence assisted in control of the air space over the location of the Twin Towers in New York city. During his career with the FAA Lawrence testified as an expert witness on several high-profile aircraft accident investigations. After working 27 years with the FAA, in several states, Lawrence retired on January 1, 2003 and moved to Kennett, MO to live with his sister Beulah Wright.

Lawrence later decided to move to Las Vegas, NV to be near his daughter Barbara Hawkins in 2004. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Hawkins (Carol Wainwright) grandson Jason Hawkins, great-grandchildren Valla Hicks, Zar El Hicks, Eloah Hicks and KyRel Hicks. Also, a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Jesse Gilmer and sister Beulah Wright.