Claude Lawrence Obituary
A visitation will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. A Memorial Service will take place at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9420 S. Portage Rd., Portage with the date and time to be announced shortly. Jack will be laid to rest in the church Memorial Garden next to Bette and Jeff. Memorial contributions may be made to Lord of Life Lutheran Church, in c/o the funeral home.
Age 81 of Portage passed Friday morning, October 3, 2025. Jack was born in Decatur, AL, on August 26, 1944, the son of Claude and Maybell (Posey) Lawrence. On December 19, 1964, he married Frances Britten who preceded him in death on October 18, 1984. Jack married Bette Martin on September 19, 1986. Bette's sons loved Jack and they had a beautiful family together. Jack and Bette loved to travel. They attended Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Bette preceded him in death on October 9, 2021. After Bette's death Jack loved to eat out on a daily basis at several different local restaurants. Jack had a long career with General Motors, but took early retirement. Jack is survived by Bette's sons, William (Carol) Martin and Jeffrey Martin; his grandson, Jonathan Martin; his sisters, Margaret Sines, Ann Hatfield and Bette Lawrence; brothers, John Lawrence and George (Carol) Lawrence; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. Besides his wives, Jack was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey; his parents; sister, Addie Kniss; brothers, Daniel Lawrence, Donald Lawrence and Harry Lawrence.
