Obituaries
Richard G. Lawrence, 72
November 11, 2020
Vietnam Veteran, artist, and photographer, Richard G. Lawrence, passed away peacefully on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2020 bravely paying his final price for his military service in Vietnam 1967-1970.
Nicknamed “Bird” by his brother, Richard enjoyed photography, drawing, nature and wrestling in his youth. He graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1967 and proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he was known as “Shortround”, beginning a life that would define his identity until his death. His service in Vietnam included but was not limited to attachments to the following units: MP Company 1st Marine Division FMF, Task Force X-Ray Hue City (Tet Offensive ’68), the 1st and 3rd Marine Division of the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force, the 7th Marine Division on Hill 55, and Hotel Co 2nd Battalion 1st and 3rd Marine Division on Hill 461. Following his tour of duty in Vietnam, Lawrence was sent to the Detachment Guard Company of the Marine Barracks in Parris Island, South Carolina. He transferred to San Miguel and Subic Bay in the Philippines and continued in the Guard Detachment. He was honorably discharged in 1970, then discharged a second time after his service in the Marine Corps Reserves (1981-1983).
Awards for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps include the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation (1967-1968), the Navy Unit Commendation (1968), the Meritorious Unit Commendation with one bronze star (1968-1969, 1970-1971), Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver battle star, the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (1970), the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color), the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Color, 1st Class), and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
His love for photography, painting, and drawing continued throughout his life, at times becoming therapeutic outlets for his post traumatic stress disorder. Many of his service connected paintings and drawings are included in the publication “A Soldiers Heart: Survivor Views of Combat Trauma” (Sidran Press, 1995). In recent years he exhibited his work in solo and group exhibitions at the Lancaster County Art Association, Lancaster Museum of Art, Mulberry Art Studios, local art fairs and non profit organizations. His art became not only documentations of daily life, landscape, and wildlife, but served as vital ways to connect socially, meet new friends, share his positive outlook on life, and donate to philanthropic organizations. He held memberships to various service organizations and possessed a lifetime membership to the Amvets. Of notable volunteer service, like his mother, he volunteered at the Lancaster General Hospital.
Richard enjoyed traveling to nature parks and the bay with his loving wife Ethel. They enjoyed listening to oldies and Elvis Presley, attending local concerts, and dining out. He was extraordinarily proud of his children’s accomplishments and enjoyed spending time with his four young grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Ethel M. (Hess) Lawrence of Lancaster; children: Rebecca Lawrence, companion Matt Kennedy, of Lancaster, Amanda, wife of Kyle Patchin of Colorado and Andrew Lawrence, husband of Tonya of Oklahoma; stepsons: Kenneth Thomas, husband of Michelle and James Thomas, husband of Kelley; grandchildren: Elliott, Noah, Finn and Charlotte; brother, Robert Lawrence, husband of Suzette, of Millersville; niece, Christina Kurtz and the mother of his children, Sharon Lawrence. He was preceded in passing by his parents, John Spencer and Virginia M. (Berger) Lawrence, as well as his nephew, Jason Lawrence.
His outgoing personality, unapologetic sense of humor, and positive attitude when faced with adversity will be fondly remembered. Richard might say he ultimately succumbed to “Karvey Morvis”, a fictitious illness as coined by his father, John. He savored life and wanted everyone to know he loved them.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 11:30AM. Friends and family are invited to attend the viewing from 9:30AM-11AM. In honor of Richard’s service, interment will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice & Community Care, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA, 17522.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
May 30, 2021
Sarge you will be greatly missed by the gang at formula fitness. Coming in early every morning with a smile and a grin on your face, you brightened up a lot of people with your positive attitude and ability to joke with the best of them so early in the morning. Semper Fi my friend you will be missed but not forgotten.
Andy Anderson
April 24, 2021
I have known ‘Dickie Bird’ since I was 5-6 years old. We were neighbors in Hickory Tree Heights.
We played on the Eaglets football team together. What I remember most is that he had a bunch of blond hair.
I reconnected with him a few years ago on FB.
The only one left from our neighborhood now is me and Charley.
RIP Bird
November 24, 2020
to the Lawrence Family, and friends,
We wer so saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a wonderful friend, brother, husband, father, and grandpa. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Sincerest sympathy and prayers
Skip and Dee Mellinger
November 19, 2020
I met Richard when I became a member of the VVA #1008 Chapter. He was a marine like me with similar medical isxsues. He was a wonderful oerson and great man. I enjoyed our conversations and aklways wished him well with he cionditions. I wanted to attend the Viewing and Funeral but with my recent loss if my wife of 44 years and the depression I am having from it, I just can’t attend. May Goid Bless his soul and I kniow he is in a better place and not experiencing and more pain or medicwl problems. Semoer Fi my Brother. Jeff Butch
November 16, 2020
What a wonderful man, my life is better from knowing him. I will never forget photographing the Ephrata Owl with him. RIP Richard you are a true worrier!!
Lynn Dilliplane
November 16, 2020
I was so sorry to see of Dicks(shortround) passing. From a fellow Marine In some of the same places, I wont forget our friendly conversations and harassement. Semper FI
Bill White USMC 66-69
November 16, 2020
Rest in peace Brother SEMPER FI
Louis Knocke
November 15, 2020
Bob, I am so sorry to hear of Dicks passing!! Praying for you and your family!! May your memories bring you joy!!
Sharon Miller Henry
November 15, 2020
My condolences to the family of Richard. I actually knew Richard as Bird, Dickie and Richard. Our paths crossed many times before and after his honorable military service. Bird was truly a great guy who made others lives better. Denny & Sue Arnold
November 15, 2020
I recognized Dickie as soon as I saw the picture of him. I don’t know if that name perservered with him, but that name is what we used as kids. We lived in Hickory Tree Heights. I have not seen him in years, but I’ll remember him. I am so glad he had a family. Very sorry for your loss Ethel, Children and Bobby.
Agape’ Teresa Sears Buhay
November 15, 2020
RIP brother. Semper Fi!
deen mckillips
November 15, 2020
Rest in Peace Brother, Semper fi
jon bruce
November 14, 2020
Dear Ethel and the entire family, my deepest sympathies on th epassing of such a wonderful man. I was so happy that Richard and Ethel found each other. Two wonderful people. I’m so glad that Richard and I had so much fun at the photography club meetings. Hard to keep us quiet! To say Richard was taleneted is such an understatement. He will be so missed.
Ethel I’m sorry I will not be able to attend Richard’s service. Please know that I’m there in spirit.
Love you. Ellen Wascou
November 14, 2020
A strong,determined,gifted Marine he truly exposed to all. He lived a life of trial & succeeded! My prayers go out to Ethel,Sharon,Becky,Amanda & Andrew. No more pain, no more suffering-his lifes road led him to eternal peace and joy!
Sincerely,
Lynn Landis
November 14, 2020
Thank you Richard for your combat service in the U.S.M.C. Semper Fi! I loved your photography and your kind words. See you on the other side.
Jim Fennessy
November 14, 2020
Dear Ethel and family, John and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. We knew Richard through the Lancaster art scene. Richard and John had a mutual friend in Geri Scott at D & J Scott Gallery. We followed Richard’s health journey via his FB posts and his many hospitalizations. In fact surely there is a wing named after him somewhere. We especially enjoyed his photos of birds. I got a kick out of Richard’s dapper cane. We mourn the loss of Richard’s zest for life and will remember him as quite the character. In Sympathy, John and Carol Walls
November 14, 2020
Thank you Richard for being a friend! I know we joked a lot, laughed a lot, and had a lot fun together. Your artwork was borderline okay to nilch, but then again it was as powerful as a jet engine in getting people to look at it! ( you beat me to bathroom wall at Mulberry, but I am still trying) I will miss your posts, your smiling mug, and asking if the pool is still open? You are more alive now my friend than any other time in your life! We will miss you dearly, but your artwork will remind us of the good times! See you later buddy! Thanks for your service! Rest well. – your buddy Sam Mylin
November 14, 2020
We’re so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He and Ethel and I served together on a church team together for a number of years. He was creative, and was a great Santa for the homeless kids at a church breakfast on Christmas Day one year. He and Ethel became family friends and we had some great times together! Ethel, you’re in our thoughts and prayers with the rest of your family. Prayers for peace over all of you.
Judy Mason
November 14, 2020
Richard will always be remembered with a smile. I was am to know him as a 1967 classmate. RIP Richard!
Claire Eichelberger
November 14, 2020
I will always remember my former classmate and brother Marine serving together on several FSB.
Joseph Sebelist
- Visitation
- Thursday, November 19, 2020
- 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, November 19, 2020
- 11:30 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
