Lawrence J. (J.R. – Lenny) Aleshire passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was the older son born to the late J. Lawrence and Georgia Ella (Gilmore) Aleshire on March 3, 1937. He was also predeceased by his wife, Sonja Warren Aleshire (1997).

Mr. Aleshire was a Captain in the Springfield Fire Department, where he served for 33 years, and was involved in construction for many years. He was known for his valued friendship, sense of humor, and gentle and kind spirit. He served in the Naval Reserve for 8 years, was a member of Gate of the Temple Masonic Lodge, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine and Firefighters Local 152. In recent years, he loved serving as a volunteer driver with the Shrine Hospital Dads, transporting ill children and their families to Shriners' Hospital in St. Louis.

He is survived by his son, Gregory W. Aleshire, and his wife, Tia, and one grandson, Grisham Warren Aleshire, all of Springfield; his brother, Donnie E. Aleshire and his wife Barbara K., of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. His Warren family survivors include Sandra Warren Finn (Jim) of Republic, MO; Thomas R. Warren (Nancy), Valdosta, GA; Dr. Sharon Warren Price (Bob), Springfield; and Terri Warren Smith (Dennis), Lenexa, KS.

The family extends grateful appreciation to The Gardens, Dr. Teresa Olsen, and Mercy Hospital staff for their kind and compassionate care.

Visitation for Mr. Aleshire is scheduled for Friday, August 26 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, and a memorial ceremony will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 27, at Gorman-Scharpf. A private family interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Shrine Hospital Dads, 601 E. St. Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65806.