John Russell Lawyer

John Russell Lawyer of Niles passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 9:04 p.m. in the Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Twp. MI. He was 89 years old.

John was born on September 1, 1934, in Youngstown, the son of the late Donald C. and Hazel Mae Wylam Lawyer.

He was a 1952 graduate of Mineral Ridge High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Army and was a tank crewman. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Barbara J. Williams Lawyer, and they were married for over 62 years until her passing in 2017. With the help and guidance of his father-in-law, Charles Williams, and his brother, Donald G. Lawyer, he built the family’s lifelong home.

Mr. Lawyer was a tool and die maker at Packard Electric for about 45 years until his retirement in 1999 where he made many friends and participated in many tool room pranks.

John was of Presbyterian faith. In his spare time, John enjoyed traveling, and taking casino trips with his wife. He loved to spend a day fishing with his buddies or his sons and was also a talented woodworker. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially his favorite drivers, Jeff Gordon and Ryan Blaney. John was a selfless person, and in his lifetime he had donated over 34 gallons of blood. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a 32° Mason for over 60 years and a member of the Scottish Rite since 1979. He made many friends through his lodge.

Mr. Lawyer is survived by his 2 children, Terri (Wade) Sylvester of Washington MI, and David Lawyer of Springhill FL; as well as 10 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by a son, Richard Lawyer; a brother, Donald G. Lawyer; a daughter-in-law, Starr Lawyer; father-in-law, Charles Williams and mother-in-law, June Williams; brother-in-law, Albert “Buddy” Williams; and a niece, Vicki Williams.

Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children by visiting LovetotheRescue.org or to The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation at 2655 West National Road, Springfield, Ohio 45504.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with Military Honors being rendered at 6:00 p.m. and a Masonic Service at 6:15 p.m. in the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home & Cremation Services 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, in the funeral home.

Interment will take place in Kerr Cemetery.