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Jack Lawrence

April 10, 2017
Gull Lake, MI

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Jack Wallace Lawrence, of Gull Lake (Augusta), MI Jack, age 90, joined his parents, C. Wallace and Beryl (Snyder), in Heaven on Monday morning, April 10, 2017 following a brief illness. He left a large, loving family to cherish his life and many wonderful memories. Jack, Dad, our Papa was born December 8, 1926 in Kalamazoo and spent most of his life on Gull Lake in a home that his parents bought as a cottage in 1940. Jack married Camille (Smith) in 1949 and together they raised four children, David Jack Lawrence, Marty (John) Hettinga, Cathi (Ron) Harris, Mollie (Matt) Fish in a safe, fun and loving home. In later years he welcomed, with great enthusiasm, eight grandchildren, Mackenzie Sternburgh, Cass Hettinga (Erin Segur), Cory (Jenna) Hettinga, Brooke (Josh) Heiple, Nick (Megan) Harris, Alex Harris, Dylan (Taylor) Lawrence and Heather Nelson (Jeremy Hembree). And in the past 10 years, two beautiful great granddaughters, Sophia and Charlotte Heiple and great grandson Brayden Hembree brightened his life and brought a big smile to his face every time he saw them. There is another scheduled great-grandson due to arrive in July, named Jack Lawrence, to whom Papa Jack was looking forward to meeting. Jack loved cars, power boats, sailing, and participating in various family lake related activities. Friends outside this family could never tell the birth children from the in-laws. Jack and Camille welcomed and loved everyone equally. So many good times, but the one we all look forward to and have celebrated for the past 40 years is the July 4th party on Gull Lake. A great day for the family, includes aunts, uncles, cousins and a few friends. Always lots of people, food, beverages, water fun and topped off by Jack's favorite event of the day, the wooden boat parade. Papa was always proud of his US flag in the front yard, which is symbolic for his honorable service to his Country during World War II and the Korean War as a member of the United States Air Force. This year, there will be a flag in Richland flying between Memorial weekend and July 4th honoring Jack and Camille. Jack loved visitors and he never turned down an invitation to join others for a party. Always smiling. Always a gentleman. Always kind to others. He was our leader. He was our Captain.Jack had perfect attendance at Gull Lake Area Rotary Club for many years and was a proud member. He was the first GLARC Hero a few years ago. Papa was our family hero long before that recognition. Jack was a good friend to many fine people, a caring neighbor and a good example to each of his grandchildren. We will miss him, but know he will be watching over us as we carry on the family traditions he started so many years ago. Thanks for the memories Papa, we love you! And we will miss you every day.The Memorial Service to celebrate Jack's life will be held on Saturday, April 15th at 12:30 p.m. at Yorkville Community Church, 11523 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083 with Rev. Shawn L. Raifsnider, Pastor, officiating. Private, family burial will be in Yorkville Cemetery, Ross Township with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard bestowing military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack's honor may be directed to the Gull Lake Area Rotary Club-Jack Lawrence , P. O. Box 291, Richland, MI 49083 or the Shepherd Center, 1833 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel is assisting Jack's family with his arrangements.