Lawrence Verne Michel, forever 88, of Downs, KS, passed away on Friday, June 20th, 2025, surrounded by his family at Parkview Care Center in Osborne, KS. Lawrence was born on December 3rd, 1936, in rural Russell, KS to John and Hilda (Rein) Michel. Lawrence was the oldest of six children with three sisters and two brothers.
Lawrence met his wife, Judith “Judy” Faye Luckey, in Glen Elder, KS, in their teenage years of life. It has been said that he was not quite sure that Judy liked him, but, thanks to a friend, they fell in love. After their courtship, they married on June 12, 1960. To this union three children were born, Larry, in December 1963, Lynette, in July 1966, and youngest, Lisette, in November 1967. Lawrence truly loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and was always grateful for the weekly, and sometimes daily phone calls as he never mastered text messaging.
Lawrence was a lover of farming. When his father became ill, Lawrence was 22 years old, and became a very important part of running the Michel farm. He had his struggles in his life, as everyone has, but became the wonderful person we knew and will remember with love and tenderness. Lawrence enjoyed John Deere, food, Chevrolet vehicles, and his beloved Kansas Jayhawks, among other things. While he was still mobile and able to drive, you could find him at Alta getting coffee, or the elevator visiting with his friends, or driving around looking at the local crops all the way to and from his house. Lawrence had an uncanny ability to talk to anyone and everyone he met, and it was a true testament to his kind and gentle soul. Although he was stubborn and very hard-headed, he had a warmth about him that his wife, children and grandchildren are very familiar with. His grandchildren will remember how he would empty his pockets of change or give his small bills away so that they had something to take home. Lawrence had a variety of special relationships in his life. Those relationships will always be remembered and cherished.
Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, John and Hilda (Rein) Michel, sister, Jane Monk,brother, Robert “Bob” Michel, and son-in-law, Daniel “Dan” Worley. Lawrence is survived by his loving wife, Judy, of the home, son, Larry (Jennifer) Michel of Salina, KS, daughter, Lynette (Bradley) Engelken of Overland Park, KS, daughter, Lisette Worley, of Osborne, KS, granddaughter Kelsey (Andrew) Clark, granddaughter Raegan (Phillip) Shamburg, granddaughter Madison (Bobby) Bliss, granddaughter Laurel (Alex) Driskell, grandson Jeffrey (Allie) Michel, grandson James (Ashley) Michel, grandson Kyle (Tiffany) Engelken, grandson Mason Engelken, grandson Samuel Engelken, brother Jerry, sisters Betty and Sarah, a host of nieces and nephews, and eight great grandchildren, Reid, Noah, Maci, Harlyne, Olson, Asher, Mia, Hudson, and Daphne.
Lawrence will be greatly missed by his family. We know that Grandpa is in Heaven, surrounded by those who have gone before him, and now the anxieties and worries of his life have faded away. He is not in pain, no more suffering, and is finally at peace. Lawrence and Judy celebrated 65 years of marriage shortly before God called Lawrence home, this was such a blessing. We love you forever and always and we will see you again at the other end of the stars.
Funeral services will be at Downs United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 14th. Inurnment will follow at Downs Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Downs United Methodist Church in care of Schoen Funeral Home, 1001 Morgan Ave. Downs, KS 67437. Online condolences to schoenfhm.com