John J. Lawrey, 97, of Rapid City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, after a recent hospitalization.

John was born on June 16, 1928 in Cornwall, England, to James Henry and Annie (Hosking) Lawrey. He was a graduate of Painesdale High School in 1945 and Michigan Technological University in 1949, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

John began his engineering career in Detroit with Fisher Body on Jan 1949. His 6 1/2 years at Fisher Body was interrupted with two years of service in the US Army Chemical Corps. He served proudly and achieved the level of Sargent Major.

He then joined Ford Motor Company in June of 1955. During his 28-year career at Ford, he held various managerial and executive level positions and retired in 1983 as Executive Engineer of Body Design.

John enjoyed traveling with his family and particularly to their second home in Northern Michigan on Elk Lake where he resided with Barbara and shared winters in Homosassa, Florida, where he was a member of Sugarmill Country Club. In Michigan, he enjoyed golf at Elk Rapids Golf Club and served on many improvement teams and was elected President for several years. He was a devoted member of the Kewadin Community Church and supported many fundraising dinner events and improvement efforts where John was a member of over 40 years.

John had a great love for his family. He was a role model for them based on his work ethic and family values. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren for their accomplishments and determination to pursue their dreams. He felt he was very fortunate.

John married the love of his life, Barbara E. Davenport, on June 16, 1951. He is survived by his children, Gary (Corliss) Lawrey, Gail (Marc) Cross and Beth (Henry) Fritz; his cherished grandchildren, Devon Lawrey, Raechel (Michael) Marks, Anthony (Morgan) Cross, John (Aimee) Cross, Dr. Austin (Randee) Cross, Kristin (Kyle) Banter and Jaclyn (Andrew) Weber and great-grandchildren William Marks, Tyler Banter and Leighton Cross.

John was preceded in death by his parents, James Henry Lawrey and Annie (Hosking) Lawrey and his wife Barbara (Davenport) Lawrey.

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held this summer and will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kewadin Community Church 7234 Cairn Hwy., P.O. Box 277, Kewadin, Michigan 49648.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com