Obituary for David R Lawrence
David R Lawrence 79, died on July 26, 2023. He was born in Ventura, California on October 26, 1943 to Roger and Lura Lawrence. He moved to Battle Creek as a child and remained in the area the majority of his life.
David was fondly known as Dave, “Windy” or “Diesel Dave”. Dave always had a story to share with all he met. He was known to use several phrases repeatedly, a few of his favorites were: BSOM or fine as frog hair. Dave attended Lakeview and Harper Creek Schools, graduating from Harper Creek in 1961. After high school he joined the United States Navy Seabees. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal during his service. He was very proud of his service.
After serving, Dave met and married Marlene. Though this marriage ended in divorce they had two daughters; Chris and Kim.
Dave was employed at Clark Equipment for several years until their closure in Battle Creek. After their closure he was head of maintenance for several apartment complexes in the Kalamazoo area.
Dave enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing Euchre, golfing, and riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed talking to his friends and would often send jokes to all he knew. He enjoyed comparing his daily Wordle score with others. He always enjoyed a good beer. He was a member of the Oscar Brady American Legion Post #298 and was a member of the Post #298 American Legion Riders.
Surviving Dave are his daughters, Chris (Craig) Holley and Kim (Greg Wenzler) Lawrence; grandchildren, Zachery (Kristen) Lawrence, Kaylin (Rhett) Pringle, Aydin Holley, Stacy (Derek) Heckendorn and Craig Holley; 7 great grandchildren, Dawson, CJ, Laverie, Keeghan, Brenning, Broden and Gatlin. Also surviving him are his partner, Elaine Gibbs and her children and grandchildren. Dave is also survived by his siblings, Clay Lawrence, Nyla (Brian) McCoy, Brett (Mary Nisbet) Lawrence, and Jeffrey Lawrence; step-siblings, Judy Weinstock, Bruce and Nathan Ellis along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Lura; along with his step-mother, Trudy and step-brothers, Mikey and Kelly Ellis.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Oscar Brady American Legion Post #298.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and also on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service.
Funeral services will follow on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 1:00 pm.
Interment will take place at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Climax, MI.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com
David was fondly known as Dave, “Windy” or “Diesel Dave”. Dave always had a story to share with all he met. He was known to use several phrases repeatedly, a few of his favorites were: BSOM or fine as frog hair. Dave attended Lakeview and Harper Creek Schools, graduating from Harper Creek in 1961. After high school he joined the United States Navy Seabees. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal during his service. He was very proud of his service.
After serving, Dave met and married Marlene. Though this marriage ended in divorce they had two daughters; Chris and Kim.
Dave was employed at Clark Equipment for several years until their closure in Battle Creek. After their closure he was head of maintenance for several apartment complexes in the Kalamazoo area.
Dave enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing Euchre, golfing, and riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed talking to his friends and would often send jokes to all he knew. He enjoyed comparing his daily Wordle score with others. He always enjoyed a good beer. He was a member of the Oscar Brady American Legion Post #298 and was a member of the Post #298 American Legion Riders.
Surviving Dave are his daughters, Chris (Craig) Holley and Kim (Greg Wenzler) Lawrence; grandchildren, Zachery (Kristen) Lawrence, Kaylin (Rhett) Pringle, Aydin Holley, Stacy (Derek) Heckendorn and Craig Holley; 7 great grandchildren, Dawson, CJ, Laverie, Keeghan, Brenning, Broden and Gatlin. Also surviving him are his partner, Elaine Gibbs and her children and grandchildren. Dave is also survived by his siblings, Clay Lawrence, Nyla (Brian) McCoy, Brett (Mary Nisbet) Lawrence, and Jeffrey Lawrence; step-siblings, Judy Weinstock, Bruce and Nathan Ellis along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Lura; along with his step-mother, Trudy and step-brothers, Mikey and Kelly Ellis.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Oscar Brady American Legion Post #298.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and also on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service.
Funeral services will follow on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 1:00 pm.
Interment will take place at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Climax, MI.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com