John Lawrence, 87

John LeRoy Lawrence, age 87, of Three Rivers went to be with his Lord and Savior whom he served all his life on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Heartland Healthcare Center. John was born on March 19, 1925 in Kalamazoo, Mi, the son of Earl and Viola(Gage)Lawrence.

Upon the events of Pearl Harbor, John chose to join the U.S. Navy as his military service at the age of 18. He completed basic training in Great Lakes Naval Station where he also sang in the choir. He then went to California and was placed on the battleship, USS Massachusetts. As a Seamen First Class, he was commended with an award for spotting a mine in the ocean, which was then destroyed to avert a collision with the ship. His battleship was at the signing of the treaty with Japan. John was united in marriage September 23, 1945 to Geraldine Favorite in Three Rivers, Mi . He was honorably discharged on his birthday, March 19, 1946.

John then joined the work force where he was employed at Eddy Paper(Weyerhauser), Continental Can and eventually retired from Burr Oak Tool. He was a member of the Corey Church of the Nazarene. John enjoyed singing in church choirs and as a soloist as well. He also served on numerous church boards and as Sunday School Superintendent in prior years. During his leisure time, John enjoyed watching baseball games.

John was predeceased by his parents, brothers, George and Victor Lawrence, and two step grandchildren, Stephen Duncan and Tina Jasper.

John leaves to cherish his loving memory, his wife of 66 years, Geraldine E.(Favorite)Lawrence of Three Rivers; daughter, Karen(Kenneth)Jasper of Three Rivers; sons, Gary(Janet)Lawrence of Orlando, FL , Kenneth(Kathy) Lawrence of Sturgis, MI, and Dennis Lawrence of Wintersville, OH; nine grandchildren; three step grandchildren; six great grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren; one step great-great granddaughter; several nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 10:00 until memorial service at 11:00a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012 at Corey Church of the Nazarene 10056 Water St; Three Rivers, Mi 49093 with Pastor Gary Carr officiating.

Private interment of cremains will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be donated to the Corey Church of the Nazarene 10056 Water St; Three Rivers, Mi 49093. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of John’s arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com