Walter Edward "Ed" Lawrence

Walter "Ed" Lawrence, Jr. age 80, of Battle Creek passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, October 24, 2014. Ed was born in Battle Creek on June 29, 1934, the loving son of Walter E. and Helen (Oliver) Lawrence Sr. Ed graduated from St. Philip Catholic High School with the Class of 1952 and furthered his education at Western Michigan University and St. Joseph College. He officially retired from Jack Pearl's Team Sports in 2007 after more than 43 years of faithful service, yet was still a daily fixture there for many years following.

Ed married the "Love of his Life", Joan (McIntyre) Lawrence at St. Philip Catholic Church on February 4, 1956. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 58 wonderful years, Joan; his children, Tom (Tammie) Lawrence, Teri (Darrell) Maisner, Tim (Betsy) Lawrence, Ted (Lisa) Lawrence, and Anthony "Tony" Lawrence; fourteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; his brothers and sister, James (Maryann) Lawrence, Robert (Metzi) Lawrence, Rosemary (Dennis) Adams, sister-in-law Pat Lawrence, and cousin, Laura (Randy) Miller. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Norman "Bud" Lawrence.

Ed was an active and faithful member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church where he was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member. Additionally, Ed was a member of the St. Philip school board, St. Philip Alumni Association, Catholic Athletic Association, 9th grade CCD instructor, volunteer for St. Philip Sunday Supper, a driver for handicapped parishioners, an usher and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for St. Philip. Ed was a leader of Boy Scout Troop #325 and a recipient of the St. George Medal. Ed was also a 37 year member of Tea Leaf Club International. Lovingly referred to as "Papa the Great" or "Grandpa the Great", Ed's true passion in life was his beautiful family.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 4:00 & 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Ed's life will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Battle Creek Amateur Sports Association, the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Athletic Fund or the St.Philip Roman Catholic Church. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.