Lawrence’s life began on May 7, 1960, in Dowagiac, the son of Lawrence J. and Iva Mae (Ferguson) Knapp.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator.

His family includes: his companion, Debbie Pence of Dowagiac; son, Josh Schmeling of Dowagiac, sisters Krystal Kimbrough of Arkansas and Wendy Hammond of Georgia; brothers,Gary Knapp of Dowagiac, Mike Knapp of Niles and Scott Knapp of Niles; step-brother, Mike Johnson of South Bend, Ind., and step-sister Debbie Johnson of Niles.

Lawrence, 50, of Dowagiac, passed away at his home on May 26, 2010.

He is preceded in death by his parents. A private family gathering will take place later this summer.

Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving his family. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Lawrence at www.yazel-clark.com.