David Lee Lawrence, 74, of Columbia City, died at 9:11 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022, at his home.

Born on December 16, 1947, in Fort Wayne, IN, he was a son of late Harold E. and Bethelene A. "Betty" (Crawford) Lawrence. Growing up in Columbia Township, he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1966.

David began his work career with International Harvester, Fort Wayne, in the tool and die department. After 18 years of service, the IH - Fort Wayne plant closed. He then went to work with Manufactured Housing Company as a sales manager for 14 years. He completed his work career at C & R Plating, Columbia City, where he had 13 years of service.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing, IU basketball, and Chicago Cubs baseball. When the kids and grandkids came along, they became his joy and focus, attending their sports and school activities.

Surviving are his children, Heidi J. (Tracie) Lawrence-Yarian of Farmington Hills, MI, Tara N. (Jim) Wagoner of Zionsville, and Trent D. (Meg) Lawrence of University Place, WA; grandchildren, Davin (Toni) Lawrence, Ellie Lawrence, Vayden Lawrence, Connor Wagoner, Carson Wagoner, Davis Wagoner, and Noah Yarian; great-grandchildren, Kingston Lawrence and Letty Lawrence; and sisters, Linda Sutton and Joyce Long both of Columbia City.

Please join the family at a graveside service to be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 24th, at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Raber and Keiser Roads, Columbia City.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David's honor can be made to the Whitley County Community Foundation to benefit a sports scholarship.