Richard Lawrence Lawless

Richard Lawrence Lawless, age 93, of Portland, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born on December 1, 1928 on a farm in Portland, the son of Laura (Snitgen) and John Lawless. Dick was a 1946 graduate of Portland High School. He worked at Oldsmobile in Lansing as an Experimental Tool Maker and was the Supervisor of the Experimental Machine Shop. Dick served his country in Austria during the Korean War. He was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus #2168 and the V.F.W. Post #4090 in Portland. In retirement, Dick devoted countless hours at St. Patrick Parish, School, Rectory, and ground smith. He was instrumental in starting the Plants and Grounds Committee. He built several houses, including several for Habitat for Humanity. Dick served as the Treasurer for the Portland Little League for over 30 years. He was proud of his Irish heritage and loved celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Shirley (Stump) Lawless; children, Kaye (Ron) Bos, Dan (Denise) Lawless, Dave (Tammy) Lawless, and Nancy (Brian) Wohlscheid; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Peter Vu at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 24, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow at Portland Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post #4090. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 3:30 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland.  For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Athletic Association in memory of Dick. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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