Jack Edward Lawrence

Jack Lawrence passed away in his sleep February 20, 2023. Jack was born and raised in Portland, Oregon to Howard and Emma Lawrence on April 6, 1926. Jack attended St. Rose Catholic School and Benson Tech High School. Jack was inducted into the US Army in January 1944 and sent to Fort Lewis Washington before deploying to the European Theater-Battle of the Bulge- with the HQ Battalion B Infantry 542nd Field Artillery as a machine gunner and ammunition handler. He was moved to Battery A 342nd Field Battalion in Special Services as a Motion Picture Projectionist and repairman until his Honorable Discharge in January 1947. He was part of the emancipation of France and was able to attend a few days of the Nuremberg Trials of the top 24 Nazi Officers. He spent the last six months of his service time at Madigan Hospital due to a lung collapse suffered from overseas.

Upon his return to Portland, he was introduced to “blind date”, Lillian (Lill) Schmer, who became his wife on February 6, 1949. Jack worked at the shipyards and various electrical companies before beginning a 36 year career with Pacific NW Bell Telephone from which he retired early and became self-employed. Jack and Lill raised four children, daughters Diane Fuller, Nancy Barry (Randy) and Janice Jackson (David). His son Gerald (Jerry) predeceased him on January 10, 2023 unexpectedly. There were also 8 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. He and Lill traveled with all four kids in a travel trailer for several years before purchasing a pleasure boat, joining Tyee Yacht Club in 1960. Boating became the family’s most enjoyable activity until the kids were grown. Jack and Lill then began traveling to Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and across the United States.

Jack will be entombed at Rose City Cemetery Mausoleum, joining his beloved wife who passed in 2020. Jack will be greatly missed by his family and was loved so very much.