Lawrence Walter, Sr.

With a life that spanned many decades, Lawrence Walter, Sr. lived a long and fruitful life rich in love for those around him. He was a man with a strong work ethic who threw himself whole-heartedly into everything he did whether it was on the job, in the fields, or in his own yard. Lawrence shared more than 65 years with the love of his life with whom he created the family he was so very proud of. He loved doting on his grandchildren and in their eyes, he was simply a ton of fun. Lawrence was even-tempered and would always go out of his way to lend a hand whether in ways great or small. He leaves behind lessons in strength, love, and goodwill that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who follow him.

If one could turn back the pages of time, history would reveal a much different America in the year 1921 than the one we know today. Life during the decade that became known as the “Roaring Twenties” was vibrant and full of new discoveries that propelled our nation forward. Mass production made things such as automobiles and radios more affordable and buying on credit made purchasing goods and services tangible even sooner than it had been in the past. It was this same year that the family of Warren and Edna (Harmon) Walter were delighted with the birth of their son, Lawrence, on July 21st. Born in Sterling, Michigan, Lawrence was the youngest of seven children in his family. Although he was born in Sterling, located not far from the western shores of Lake Huron, he later moved to St. Johns where he went to work for his brother, Carl, at his garage.

Life took Lawrence down a few different paths as a young man. He served in the United States Army for a time, but it was his personal life that really got exciting. Lawrence met the young woman who would be the love of his life for 68 years. Her name was Margaret Lyon and after falling deeply in love, the couple married on June 6, 1942, in Bowling Green, Ohio. The couple was later blessed with the births of four wonderful children.

Lawrence worked hard to support his family through the years. He worked as a mechanic at Pohl Brother’s Garage and then drove a semi all over Michigan for Gambles. In 1947 he secured a job with Motor Wheel where he remained for the rest of his career until he retired as a supervisor many years later.

There were many things that kept Lawrence busy through the years. He enjoyed farming land that he rented from local farm owners, and he took great care in tending to his lawn. For the past five years, Lawrence had a very regimented lawn care schedule that he stuck to like glue. He also kept busy working on cars for friends and family in his own garage at home. Lawrence liked to go to auctions and owned several motorcycles over the years. He and Margaret loved looking for deer and when it came to food, Lawrence always said, “Had better.”

When grandchildren came into his life, spending time with them quickly became one of the interests Lawrence savored the most. He loved them dearly and when he was around them, he was a bit of a kid at heart. Lawrence always had a pony for them to ride on and often entertained his grandchildren with card tricks. When great-grandchildren joined his family, there were simply more little ones for him to fuss over. They too enjoyed Lawrence’s fun-loving spirit. He regularly had them do number games, and he made sure they all knew how to spell Mississippi. Lawrence made himself available to chauffer his grandchildren around as often as he could as well.

In so many ways, Lawrence Walter, Sr. was a one-of-a-kind sort of man who would do anything for anyone. Even as he entered the sunset of his life he was an intelligent man who never got lost and could remember everything. Lawrence was a longtime resident of the St. Johns area, living on the same property for 65 years. He was a man of principle who stood on old fashioned family values and was a man of his word. When you asked Lawrence do to something, you could be sure he would get to it right away. He leaves behind a colorful tapestry of memories that will be forever cherished by those who loved him dearly.

Lawrence E. Walter, Sr. died on August 6, 2010. Lawrence’s family includes his daughter, Nancy A. Baker; sons, Lawrence E. (Shirley) Walter, Jr. and Robert L. (Shirley) Walter; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grand children; and many nieces and nephews. Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents; daughter, Pamela S. Martin; granddaughter, Marci Draper; and his 6 brothers and sisters. Services will be 11 a.m., Monday, August 9 at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, with Pastor Elbert Dulworth officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Laingsburg United Methodist Church, 214 N. Crum, Laingsburg, MI 48848.