Lawrence Edward Burwell

Lawrence Edward Burwell, 91, of Bridgman passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 12 Noon – 1:30 PM on Friday, April 7, 2023 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman. At 1:30 PM on Friday, the Bridgman American Legion Post 331 and the United States Air Force will provide military rites at the funeral home. Final resting place will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross, PO Box 37839 Boone, IA 50037-0839 or Bridgman American Legion, Post 331, PO Box 67, Bridgman, MI 49106. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Lawrence was born on January 3, 1932 the son of the late Ralph and Josephine (Cutler) Burwell. He graduated from Bridgman High School and went on to join the United States Air Force where he proudly served four years as a Mechanic and Technical Instructor, and then served 4 years in the Navy Reserves. Lawrence returned home to Bridgman and completed a four-year Welder Apprenticeship at Lake Michigan College and later retired from Auto Specialties where he worked for over 25 years.

Lawrence had a wide array of hobbies and interests including fishing, kayaking, biking, leather working, model building, played multiple instruments, and one of his favorites; walking and cleaning up Weko Beach. Lawrence was also a licensed pilot, skydiver, charity run participant and a record blood donor in Berrien County. He held the following memberships: Lifetime American Legion Member (where he held multiple offices and roles over the years), Lifetime Member PapaSan-MamaSan Association; and he was an avid gun owner and member of the NRA.

Survivors include his children: David Burwell Sr., Dale (Monica) Burwell, Brian (Shelly) Burwell, and Oralia “Gidget” (James) Rhoden; his grandchildren: David (Christy) Burwell Jr, Alma Burwell, Marta Burwell, Matthew Burwell, Caressa Burwell and Emerald (Brett) Hiler; as well as 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother Lt. David Le Roy Burwell in the Korean War; his parents, Ralph and Josephine Burwell of Bridgman; and his sister Norma Burwell; and a granddaughter, Veronica.