Jan. 30, 1926  — Dec. 4, 2013

Lawrence Starrett, of Dowagiac, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac. He was 87 years old.

Lawrence was born Jan. 30, 1926, in South Bend to Alvia & Rosanna (Northrop) Starrett. On Aug. 10, 1945, he married Mary Schoff in Dowagiac.

Lawrence valiantly served his country in the United States Army. He was in the CO C 41st A1 BN and earned the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, 1 Overseas Service Bar, Occupation Medal (Germany) and a Purple Heart Medal.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #563, the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Lawrence was the chairman of the Memorial Day Parade and the commander of the American Legion Post #563 for more than 30 years. He loved watching Gunsmoke on TV.

Lawrence is survived by his seven children, Clarawayne (Donald) Wolford, of Dowagiac, Lawrence I. (Renee) Starrett, of Dowagiac, Sandra (Pete) Scowley, of Jones, Wanda (John) Wise, of Dowagiac, Florence (Kurt) Erickson, of Decatur, Mary Schonbok, of Niles, Rose (Steven) Long, of Decatur, and Robert (Betty) Lesniak of Dowagiac; nineteen grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers, Alvia and David; and his sisters, Bessie, Florence and Nina.

The family had a gathering for friends Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, with Pastor Nathan Long officiating. At the conclusion of the service, military rites were held at Clark Chapel.

Lawrence was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Memorials may be made to American Legion Post #563 in Dowagiac or Donor’s Choice. Please take an opportunity to share a memory of Lawrence online at www.clarkch.com.