JACK DEWITT LAWRENCE

81, of Neoga, Illinois passed away March 19, 2020 at the HSHS St. Anthony Hospital of Effingham, Illinois.  Jack was born in Chicago, II. Aug. 12, 1938. Son of Carl and Florine (Brister) Lawrence.  He married Bonnie M. Koester  July 3, 1976, in Sigel, Illinois.  Jack was a member of Topeka Baptist Church, Jayess, Ms. Where he served as a deacon, a member of Neoga American Legion, and in past was member of the Shriners & Masons, he also served on Neoga school board and was Board President for 2yrs.
He served in the Army 1961-1963 And was employed at RR Donnelly and Sons of Mattoon, Illinois and retired in 1995.  Jack enjoyed drag racing, Indy 500, skeet shooting, bowling, fishing & golfing. When he could no longer do these things he enjoyed watching sports on TV. He was a Big Cubs Fan.  He is survived by his wife Bonnie of 42 years; Sons, Brian Lawrence (Cris) of Oak Forest, Illinois and James Lawrence (Cindi) of Georgetown, Delaware; Step-sons. Daniel Cox (Julie) of Rathdrum, Idaho, James Cox (Dee) of Mattoon, Illinois and Michael Cox (Angie) of Pekin, Illinois; Daughters, Lisa Anderson (John) of Oak Forest, Illinois and Jackie Lawrence of Greensboro, North Carolina; 22 Grandchildren; 27 Great-Grandchildren; Brother: Larry Lawrence of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Sister, Pat Brown of Indiana  ; many Nieces and Nephews.  Jack was preceded in death by his Parents; Brother, Carl and Sister, Marion.
He will be missed by his family and friends.  Memorials are suggested to the Topeka Baptist Church Building Fund or Donor's Choice.
Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday March 24, 2020 in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Sigel, Illinois  with Pastor Earl Brown officiating. Military Services will be conducted by the Neoga American Legion Post 458.  Visitation will be held from 6:00pm until 8:00 PM Monday March 23, 2020 at the Swengel O'Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois. 
online condolences may be expressed at www.swengel-odell.com

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