Lawrence (Larry) Harwell
Saturday, April 27, 2013 marked the end of the 74 year journey of Lawrence (Larry) Harwell. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father to 7 girls and 2 boys (imagine that task), and one of the greatest political minds of his time.
Did you know that Larry was the first black person to have his district maps approved resulting in some of Milwaukee’s first black lead districts? His voice could be heard from the steps of the state capital to the “hood” always pointing out one injustice or another.
You would find him in the boardrooms of many local organizations cussing somebody out. Or taking a late night stroll around the neighborhood on a hot summer night – in a heavy trench coat – randomly “uppin” his rifle on unsuspecting drug dealers and other local criminals (plus young men trying to court one of his daughters).
But his true passion was education.
He had few rules for his children but the first was “school is your job”. He took this passion to work and was the lead staff person responsible for researching and writing the law now known as the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.
For those of you who have the pleasure of knowing Larry, we are sure you have your own “Crazy Larry” story. Him calling you out of your name during a heated discussion. Or the day he took up a cause on your behalf forcing you to fight whether you wanted to or not.
However he impacted your life, my family would love to hear your story (good or bad).
Larry has been reunited with the love of his life Barbara Jewel Harwell and will continue to watch over his 9 children: Veronica Chambers, Nina Harwell, Alicia Harwell, Larry Harwell Jr., John Harwell, Sylvia Harwell, Catina Harwell-Young, Nekia Harwell, and Tomekia Harwell; his 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and his surviving brother and sisters.
Services will be held Saturday, May 4 th at Pitts Funeral Home located at 2031 W. Capital Drive. The viewing will begin at 10am and the service will follow at 11am.