Lawrence P. Gwaltney, 92, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Gibson General Hospital in Princeton, IN. He was born on February 21, 1920 to the late Bertis and Barbara (Bawel) Gwaltney in Mackey IN.  Lawrence was owner of the Ben Franklin Five and Dime store in Fort Branch for 27 years and was a member of the Fort Branch First Presbyterian Church. Lawrence was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Navy.  He is preceded in death by 3 brothers, Robert (Tab) Gwaltney, Sept. 19, 1996, Harold Gwaltney, May 31, 2003 and Ethan Gwaltney Aug. 19, 1981.

Lawrence is survived by his wife of 71 years whom he married on July 12,1941, Betty (Robinson) Gwaltney of Fort Branch, IN and several nieces and nephews.

Services for Lawrence will be Monday, January 28, 2013 at 10:30 am at the Fort Branch First Presbyterian Church in Fort Branch with burial at Walnut Hill Cemetery, with Rev. David Worthen officiating.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 27, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and again at the church from 9:30 am till time of service. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Fort Branch First Presbyterian Memorial Fund.  Expressions of sympathy maybe made at www.stodghillfuneralhome.com