Judge Lawrence Semski

Lawrence Semski, 82, departed this life on July 5, 2008, in Biloxi, MS. Judge Semski was preceded in death by his parents, Peter Semski and Augusta Cruso Semski; his siblings, Agnes Semski Sekul, Lillian Semski Gill, Peter Semski and Annie Semski. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kay Pringle Semski and their six children, Lauren Semski Wahl; Shellie Semski O’Keefe (Dennis); Victoria Semski Compton (Mark); Lawrence Peter Semski; Edna Marian Semski; and Matthew Paul Semski (Sheriee); fourteen grandchildren, and a sister, Doris Semski Troney Hayes. He was also known as “Sonny Boy”, “Unck”; or “Judge” to many nieces and nephews and a large extended family of relatives and friends. Lawrence was born June 26, 1926, in a quaint house on Point Cadet in Biloxi, where he grew up the hard working and determined son of a fisherman. As early as the seventh grade he began to play the trombone in the Biloxi High School marching and concert bands. At Biloxi High School he was a star scholar, athlete and was a member of the inaugural 1943 Shrimp Bowl championship team. After graduation in 1944, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and was later commissioned in the U. S. Air Force Reserve as 2nd Lieutenant. Lawrence was awarded an athletic scholarship at the University of Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1951 and Bachelor of Laws degree in 1954. He was a member of the Mississippi Alpha chapter of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. In 1956 Lawrence married the love of his life, Kay Pringle. Together they raised six children. With a prosperous and meaningful career in the law profession, Lawrence served as City Attorney for the City of Biloxi from 1971 to 1979 and Harrison County Family Court Judge from 1971 to 1979. In 1976 he was appointed by then President Gerald Ford to serve on the National Advisory Committee for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency, where he served as chairman of the Standards Committee, garnering the development of national standards for juvenile justice delinquency prevention and was a pioneer in troubled youth rehabilitation. He also served as a municipal judge for the City of Biloxi and maintained a private law practice until his retirement in 1997. A charismatic and active parishioner of Nativity B.V.M. and the Catholic Cursillo movement, the Judge was an inspiration to many. Other memberships included Mississippi Coast Jazz Society (charter member); BPOE No. 606, Biloxi, the Knights of Columbus; East Harrison County Lions Club, Ole Miss Alumni Musicians’ Association, and Harrison County Bar Association. Lawrence’s love of jazz music was evident throughout his life. His trombone was usually in the trunk of his car just in case he had the opportunity to sit in on a jam session, which he did as often as possible. The Judge will long be remembered as a compassionate and honorable leader who strove to better his community by helping others. He was a dedicated husband, loving father; grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by many. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at 12 noon at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral where friends may visit from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi, is in charge of arrangements.