Elton W Lawrence, 87, of Rapid City, passed away Feb 13, 2002, at his home.
He was born Dec 15, 1914 in Alden (Clearwater Township), to Roy Ellsworth and Leota Inez (Isenbarger) Lawrence.
Elton graduated from Rapid City High School, Kalkaska County Normal and held a bachelors and masters degrees from Michigan State University. During 40 years in the field of education, he taught first in rural schools in Kalkaska and Macomb counties. For 22 years he taught vocational agriculture at Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville. The remaining years of his career he spent as the Director of Guidance for the Middleville school system.
On Aug 30, 1937, he married Clairbel "Claire" Morrison, daughter of Allan and Maude (Lincoln) Morrison. He was an active member of the Alden United Methodist Church and was a charter member and past president of the Middleville Lions Club. For several years he was clerk for the Village of Middleville.
Elton is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 64 years, Claire; children, David M Lawrence of Middleville and T. Mark (Barbara) Lawrence of Howell; grandchildren, Eric A (Katherine) Grafmiller of Bloomfield Hills, Philip (Traci) Lawrence of Grandville, Gregory Lawrence of Middleville and Grand Rapids, Andrew Lawrence and Rebecca Lawrence of Howell; great grandchildren Kevin Grafmiller, Andrew Lawrence and Victoria Lawrence; sister Thelma Hart of Birmingham; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Norman R Lawrence, and daughter Phyllis Ann (Lawrence) Grafmiller.
The funeral service was conducted Feb 16 at Alden United Methodist Church. The Rev Richard Matson officiated. Interment was at Mt Hope Cemetery in Middleville. Memorials may be made in behalf of Elton Lawrence to Alden United Methodist Church or Munson Hospice. Arrangements were made by Wolfe Funeral Home, Kalkaska.
