Herbert “Herbie” S. Lawrence II of Cleveland, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on the morning of August 7, 2021, under the care of Crossroads Hospice and his beloved niece, Dee Sterling and her fiancé, Kevin Eberhardt.
Herbie was born on August 27, 1949 to his parents, Herbert and Edith Lawrence. He lived in Decatur, Illinois; Milan, Tennessee, and then settled with his family in Cleveland, Ohio when he was in the 3rd grade. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1967. He married his high school sweetheart, Patty Martin, and although their lives took different paths, she was a monumental part of his life.
Herbie had a passion for cars, motorcycles, and trains that defined who he was. He loved Ford car models and belonged to two car clubs, first the “American Cruiser” and then the “Pistons”, both in which he was heavily involved. Many know him for his drag race talents and his iconic “Falconstein” race car (featured numerous times in the Cruisin’ Times magazine) and his 1958 Panel Wagon. His pride and joy was his 1957 Harley-Davidson Panhead motorcycle with its red and chrome finishes and kick start.
He had a love for Halloween and all its festivities, peanut M & M’s, flamingos, anything patriotic, all things fried, and everything put in its place, “Herbie style”. He is famous for his handlebar mustache, suspender jean shorts attire, and for his one-of-a kind “Herbie’s Tacos”, which were made from his own secret recipe.
Herbie is survived by many loved ones. He was a brother to Jeannette McKenzie (Robert) and a cousin to Ronald Saleker (Karen); Albert Saleker (Linda); Marianne Hoch (Jim). Herbie was “Uncle Bert” to George McKenzie (Dawn); Dee Sterling (fiancé Kevin); Jennifer Waldorff (Warren); and Holly Gabram (Tom). He was a great uncle to Dustin and Gabbie Sterling; Savannah McKenzie; Larrisa, Peyton, and Kenley Waldorff; and Presley and Reese Gabram. He was a great, great uncle to Mason Williams, Jr. and Huntlee Gamble. He was a companion to Mary Lou Wahl and a loyal friend to many.
Herbie/”Uncle Bert” will be deeply missed by many, but his legend will live on in our lives and our hearts forever. A Celebration of Life will occur on his favorite holiday, Halloween weekend. Details will follow and will be posted on social media.
Uncle Bert, we love you and just like a “Tuesday Afternoon”, ride high in the sky…