Madison- Richard Mortimer Lawrence died on November 16, 2016. He was born to Lenore (nee Williams) and Mortimer Mertz Lawrence on June 13, 1926, in Beaver Dam. He attended Beaver Dam Elementary and High School before being drafted by the U. S. Army in 1944. After basic training, he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry for duty in the Army of Occupation in Japan.

After an honorable discharge, he attended the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering, and received his degree in 1950. Richard was a loyal alumnus of the UW, and held season football tickets for 62 years, and season hockey tickets from the time the program was inaugurated. After graduation, he was hired by Madison Gas & Electric as an appliance salesman. He retired 42 years later as a Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. He had a daughter, Margaret Lawrence, a step daughter, Alexis Turner, and a son, Conrad. He was a lifelong Cubs fan and lived to see them win the World Series.

Richard belonged to many Madison organizations and received numerous awards. He was a member and former President of Madison West Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He started the MG&E Blood Bank, which is still functioning today. He was recognized by Governor Tommy Thompson for his hard work and dedication to the State of Wisconsin. Richard married Dorinda Duby Turner in 1983, and they had 33 years of happiness together. On retirement, they moved to San Diego, California and returned to Madison because of health and family reasons 11 years later.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, with Chaplain Gary Reynolds presiding. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until the time of service. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's name to the University of Wisconsin, College of Engineering, at UW Foundation, US Bank Lock Box, P.O. Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0878.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Richard Lawrence

June 13, 1926 - November 16, 2016

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