After a long and remarkable life, Richard Manley Lawrence, 89, passed away on March 13, 2020 at his home with his loving wife, family and friends by his side. Richard was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 14, 1930. He was a resident of Brown County since 1979, formerly of Muncie, Winchester and Richmond Indiana. He was the second child of Manley Alfred Lawrence of Indianapolis, Indiana and Josephine Avice Lawrence of Paris, Illinois.
Richard is survived by his wife Maria and his sons John (Karen) Lawrence, Jim (Lisa) Lawrence; grandchildren Hannah (Scott) Caffey, Brian Lawrence, Heather (Dennis) McLeod, Myka (Joey) Rusnak, Sara (Luke) Tussing, Dane (Kelli) Davison; nieces Michele Anderson, Maureen Patek Brandman, Sonya Brandman and nephew Michael Brandman; seven great-grandchildren, and several great-nephews and cousins.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved parents and sister Jean Lee Brandman and brother-in-law Saul Brandman. He served as Colonel in the Korean conflict in 1952 and honorably discharged in 1954.
Affectionately known as Dick, he was a graduate of Richmond High School in Richmond, Indiana. He earned his bachelor’s degree in science from Earlham College in Richmond, and a degree in agriculture from Purdue University. He married Jacquie S. Miessler from Richmond, Indiana where he started a family on a small farm in Winchester, Indiana while teaching science in the local school district.
Shortly after, Dick left Winchester and began pursuing his postgraduate studies achieving academic degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and his Doctorate Degree at the University of Arkansas. He then returned to Indiana and began teaching at Ball State University in Muncie as a professor of physical chemistry where he conducted research on X-Ray diffraction of liquids and published a textbook for teachers on the “Fundamentals of Chemistry” in conjunction with NASA. This all led to a fascination with glass and glassblowing.
In 1967, he, with his then wife Jacquie, and their twin sons, started to work glass and demonstrated the art of glassblowing traveling to fairs and carnivals. His close friend Jack Bohlander, who started the traveling carnival “Poor Jack”, was an integral part of this early business venture. He moved permanently to Brown County after retiring from Ball State University.
Dick was immensely proud of his family business. His work ethic, enthusiasm and dedication to his shops were a daily incentive for his family and employees. Everything that Dick put his energy and heart behind he accomplished, he was self-motivated and brought inspiration to each new day by being productive and working hard.
Dick married his wife, Maria, in 1979. They worked together in Quintessence Gallery for many years, and their shared passion for camping took Dick and Maria to the most wonderful places in the United States. His dexterity and patience working on his motor home made camping entertaining and easier. Dick was very fond of libraries, art and craft galleries. During his trips he looked for the towns’ libraries and local artists’ shops. As he traveled and met new people he was always delighted to talk about beautiful Brown County and his family business.
Life’s little joys and Dick’s love for Mother Nature and the outdoors brought him much peace and contentment. He often said, “The best things in life are free.”
Being a veteran, and having traveled to other countries, Dick knew the need to support United States charitable and lifesaver organizations around the world to which he and Maria were happy to contribute.
Wherever Dick went he left heart prints, he loved to entertain and make other people happy. His charm, genuine smile and unique sense of humor made him an unforgettable character and a friend to many. Dick will always have a special place in the heart of those whose lives he touched with beauty and inspired with happiness.
Dick was pragmatic and tenacious. He faced challenges without fear by always following his heart and relying on his instincts.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home in Nashville, Indiana. A “Celebration of Life” will be scheduled at a later date.
You are encouraged to share a favorite story, memories, condolences and photographs by
emailing them to [email protected].
Memorial contributions can be made to:
Doctors Without Borders USA
Brown County Public Library
Brown County Art Gallery
Brown County Humane Society
