Service of Praise And Remembrance for Lawrence Edward Kanipe

Lawrence Edward Kanipe, 87 of Cajah’s Mountain, died Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Hickory Falls after a year of declining health. He was born December 12, 1934 in Conover, NC to Walter Kanipe and Fannie Hefner Kanipe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine Poole and brothers, Marion Kanipe and John Kanipe.

He lived in the Oxford “Catfish” Community and after graduating from Oxford High School, attended Capitol University in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College with a degree in teaching. After accepting a position with Glen Alpine School to teach history, he decided he could not provide for his young family. He served as a cost analysis at Old Dominion Box Company, Conover and learned technical artwork used in folding cartons in the company’s Charlotte location. The company transferred him to Lynchburg, Virginia, to manage a new plant for Old Dominion. Lawrence provided customers with watercolor paintings to use in their food carton designs. After many years with Old Dominion, he accepted a position with Simpkins Industries of Landrum, South Carolina and retired in 2001.

Lawrence was a talented artist and a prolific painter in watercolors, oils and prints. His artwork was sought after in not only North Carolina but many other states. He was former co-owner and operator of McGill’s Custom Framing in Newton. He was an active member of Newton Art Guild and taught watercolor painting at CVTC (now CVCC).

He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, but his real passion was fishing which he learned as a child. When at the coast, he enjoyed deep sea and surf fishing. Often, Sarah was with him as they fished from a pier on the Outer Banks. Fly-fishing in the Colorado Mountain Rivers and in the creeks of the North Carolina Foothills brought many hours of enjoyment.

Lawrence loved his church and served in many capacities when he was able to attend. As an avid reader, the Bible was a constant source for knowledge; he committed the passages and could quote them. He took pride in completing the genealogy of the Hefner and Kanipe families. His wish was to learn one new fact each day.

Astronomy and woodturning were other hobbies he enjoyed. He built his own telescope and turned many beautiful bowls. Cooking big meals on Christmas and Easter and inviting everyone to eat brought him much satisfaction. Lawrence was a generous man, and at Christmas was happiest when giving presents to families and friends.

Lawrence is survived by wife, Sarah Kincaid Kanipe; daughter, Loren Kanipe Miller and husband, Rocky; daughter, Liane Kanipe Isenhour and husband, Wesley; stepdaughter, Elaine Jenkins and husband Greg; grandchildren, Andy Smith and wife Shannon, Macy Isenhour, Maddy Isenhour, Anna Jenkins, Claire Jenkins and Will Jenkins and great grandchildren, Nikolas Smith and Kassian Smith. He is also survived by three nieces and brothers and sisters of the Kincaid family.

A graveside service will be held at 3pm on Monday, February 7, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church cemetery with Pastor Scott Johnson and Pastor Anton Lagoutine officiating. The family will gather in the Parish Hall to receive friends from 2:00-2:30 pm prior to the service. Due to Covid 19, masks are requested.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2126 St. John’s Church Rd NE Conover, NC or Amorem of Caldwell County (formerly Hospice of Caldwell County), 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Condolences may sent to the Kanipe family at www.drumfh-conover.com.

Drum Funeral Home and Crematory of Conover is honored to be serving the Kanipe family.