Obituaries

Donald Clayton Lawrence Sr., age 71, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died at his home on April 19, 2024. He was born on October 16, 1952, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Clayton H. and Adelaide “Ann” E. (Bonno) Lawrence.

Don grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and attended Sault High School. He met Pearl “Margaret” Lawrence, and they married on December 19, 1970, and began raising their family. Don started working for General Motors as a shift leader in 1971. Don attended Wayne State University, graduating with a bachelor’s in social work in 1994. After thirty-five years Don retired in 2006 and returned to Sault Ste. Marie in 2008.

Don was a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He also enjoyed spending time with all his great friends and family. His family considered him the “activities director” always showing them the best places and things to do.

Don is survived by his sons, Randolph (Tana Cain) Lawrence of Wald Lake, Michigan, and Donald C. Lawrence Jr., of Walled Lake; daughter, Kay (Christopher) Seeney of Walled Lake; grandchildren, Randolph Jr., Jackson Seeney, and Norah Seeney; great grandchildren, Easton Lawrence, and Weston Lawrence; ex-wife and friend, Margaret Lawrence; sister, Sharon Sparks of New Mexico; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Lawrence and Adelaide Austin; twin brother, Ronald (Diane) Lawrence; sisters, Diane (Daniel) Bonner and Pat Ashcraft; and brother-in-law, Donnie Sparks.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 6PM until April 21, 2024, at 10 am, when the Traditional ceremony will begin, and feast will follow, all at the Niigaanagiizhik Cultural Building, 11 Ice Circle Dr. Sault Ste. Marie, MI49783.