Dick Lawrence Remembered For His Extraordinary Volunteer Service

To say Richard 'Dick' Lawrence Sr. was involved would be an understatement. The longtime Grayslake resident held an active roll in several clubs and organizations across town.

Lawrence died June 17 at the age of 87.

Born in 1924 to Evan and Bernice in Libertyville, Lawrence served in the army during World War II. He married his wife Joanne and had three children.

The family remained in the area where Lawrence became an integral part of the community.

He was an active member of several organizations including the 4-Cers, the , the Grayslake American Legion, the , and the .

“When he could he was active as a volunteer, and when he couldn’t because of health reasons, he was still so supportive and attended every event,” said Karl Molek, president of the Grayslake Lions Club.

Lawrence became a member of the club in 1979 and served as president before receiving a lifetime membership for his hard work and dedication.

“He was just always so willing to donate his time, and endless hours of community service,” Molek said.

He added that Lawrence and his wife, Joanne, were incredible examples of people who supported the community.

“They are like the end of an era as far as the Village is concerned," Molek said. "You just don’t see people donate so much of themselves anymore.”

Lawrence was also a charter member and past president of the Grayslake Historical Society, founded in 1976.

Charlotte Renehan, president of the Grayslake Historical Society, remembered Lawrence as friendly and outgoing.

“He was the ideal volunteer and member,” Renehan said. “He would give tours and offered his carpentry skills to fix things. He donated so much of his time, knowledge and skills to our organization.”

Lawrence was awarded the Melvin Jones Award from the Lions Club and the Book of Golden Deeds from the .

Lawrence served as a volunteer firefighter, and worked at the for 50 years following the Korean War.

“He was the guy that kept things going around here,” recalled John DeMeyer, owner of Grayslake Feed. “Dick was such a positive influence on everyone and such a good leader. He made sure things worked and always did it with a smile.”

DeMeyer said Dick always did what was needed, and eventually served as a manager with the store.

A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20 from 3 to 9 p.m. at  at 410 E. Belvidere Road.

The funeral will be Thursday, June 21 at 10 a.m. with an hour of visitation starting at 9 a.m. at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made to the or the .