Obituary of Clifford Lawrence

Age 97, of Mt. Morris, died Saturday, January 16, 2016, at Birchwood Manor. The funeral will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris. On Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 1:00 pm; with burial to follow at Mt. Morris Cemetery. Clifford’s Family will receive friends at Miles Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris on Wednesday, from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm then on Thursday Clifford will be taken to church to lie in state from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and at church. Clifford was born January 23, 1918, in Mt. Morris, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin and Ida (Arft) Lawrence. He graduated from Flint Northern High School with the Class of 1936. Clifford proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II, serving from June 1942 until April 1945. He was a member of VFW post # 8236 as well as a member of the Mt. Morris First United Methodist Church and a longtime member of the Masons F & AM #535. Clifford worked for over 30 years for Buick as a Millwright. In his spare time he enjoyed wood working and refinishing chairs, camping and fishing. Clifford was a kind hearted and supportive man and he will be dearly missed. Left to cherish his memory are his children James and wife Vicki Lawrence, Patti and husband Simeon Iliev; grandchildren Christopher Lawrence, Jenn and husband Brad Dixon, Marquina and husband Daniel Piselli, and Benjamin Iliev; great grandchildren Lorenzo Piselli and Aiden Dixon; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Clifford was preceded in death by his wife Betty, second wife Arlene; parents, son John Neil Lawrence; brother Holden Lawrence; sister Onalee Blume; and nephew Gerald Blume.