Lawrence O. Starrett

Lawrence Starrett, 87, of Dowagiac, passed away, Wednesday December 4, 2013, at the Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac. The family with have a gathering for friends Saturday, December 7, 2013, from 11:00am until the funeral service at 2:00pm at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Pastor Nathan Long officiating. Immediate following the service there will be Military Rites at Clark Chapel. Lawrence will then be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Memorials may be made to American Legion Post #563, Dowagiac, MI or Donor’s Choice. Please take an opportunity to share a memory of Lawrence online at www.clarkch.com. Lawrence was born January 30, 1926 in South Bend, IN, to Alvia & Rosanna (Northrop) Starrett. On August 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 DAV, and the VFW. Lawrence was the Chairman of the Memorial Day Parade, Commander of the American Legion Post #536 for over 30 plus years. He loved watching Gunsmoke on TV. Lawrence is survived by his seven children, Clarawayne (Donald) Wolford, of Dowagiac, MI; Lawrence I. (Renee) Starrett, of Dowagiac, MI; Sandra (Pete) Scowley, of Jones, MI; Wanda (John) Wise, of Dowagiac, MI; Florence (Kurt) Erickson, of Decatur, MI; Mary Schonbok, of Niles, MI; Rose (Steven) Long; of Decatur, MI; and Robert (Companion Betty) Lesniak of Dowagiac, MI; 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.