Lawrence Herbert Marks

PALMYRA- Lawrence Herbert Marks went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as he was surrounded by family. He was born the fifth child of August and Helen (Lemster) Marks on the family farm north of Blissfield. Blessed to have been born into a strong Christian household, faith remained the foundation of his life. In the center of that faith, family was the congregation of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Palmyra where he took his baptism, confirmation and marriage vows very seriously. It was here that Lawrence married Charlotte Fischer on June 29, 1957. Immanuel was also where Lawrence served in many capacities including Superintendent of the Sunday School and was a Luther League leader along with his wife, Charlotte. Music had always held a special place in his life, so Lawrence joined the church choir at the age of 10 and participated in the group well into his 90’s. Over the years, Lawrence was a soloist for 53 weddings and 35 funerals. Lawerence was educated in a one room schoolhouse until the age of 15 and then learned by experience at the A&P grocery stores; as well as becoming the steward of the legacy land of the Marks Family which was established in 1893. While farming that land, Internationals were his tractors of choice. While raising his family, Lawrence volunteered as a 4-H leader and learned the unique art of chair caning in which he became very proficient. After completing 44 years of employment at the A&P grocery chain, Lawrence retired and focused his attention on a new career pathway working at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel. At the age of 90, he felt it was time to once again retire, this time from the funeral home, after 30 years. During his senior years, Lawrence clerked at Mitchell and Kelly Auctions, volunteered as a driver for the Lenawee Department on Aging, unloaded fruits and vegetables from trucks for the Salvation Army Food initiative (for which he was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award and continued this laborious task into his 90’s) and was a driver for Meals on Wheels serving residents in the Blissfield area. Lawrence leaves his son, David of Palmyra, his daughter, Brenda (Scott) Walters of Sylvania; 5 grandchildren, Gretchen (John) Morse, Matthew (Jodie) Marks, Katie (JC) Harrison, Brandan (Charisa) Walters and Brent (Marley) Walters; as well as 16 great-grandchildren. He was the patriarch of the Marks family not only to his children and grandchildren but also to many beloved nieces and nephews who had already lost their parents. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, in 2005 after celebrating 47 years of marriage; special friend, Judy Hensley; 3 brothers, Robert, Leslie and Kenneth Marks; 1 sister, Marian Golembiewski; brothers-in-law, Richard and Charles Fischer, and Wilbur Bast; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Fischer and Ruth Bast. Visitation will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 2 to 8 PM at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palmyra, MI. A committal service will follow at Palmyra Cemetery where Lawrence will be buried beside his wife, Charlotte. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palmyra or the Salvation Army Adrian Corps Community Center. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Lawrence Herbert Marks

May 16, 1932 - June 14, 2026