F. Lawrence and Clara Belle Burgess

F. Lawrence Burgess died November 26, 2017, at the age of 96. He was born to Fred and Bessie (Cutler) Burgess in Shullsburg, WI, November 18, 1921. Clara Belle (Carl) Burgess died September 26, 2017, at age 95. She was born to Paul and Janet (Farquharsen) Carl, November 22, 1921, in Pittsford, Michigan. Lawrence and Clara Belle were wed September of 1941 and shared 76 wonderful years together. Dad was a long time auto mechanic and salesman in Mason. Eventually, Mom and Dad ran a soft ice cream business (The Dairy Hill) in Mason for 10 years. They traveled the world, visiting Europe 15 times and sailing on container vessels on four major voyages. They visited all 50 states and traveled to Thailand, New Zealand and Australia. Lawrence and Clara Belle were preceded in death by their parents and daughter Shirley (Burgess) Droscha and all eight of their siblings. Surviving are their three sons, Larry (Evelyn), Keith, and Gene (Glenda); 8 grandchildren, Carmen, Jon, Marci, James, Jeanna, Keith, Corey, and Crista; and 7 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the Care Team Hospice and the staff at Riverwind Assisted Living in Williamston for the great care and compassion shown to both our parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church of Mason, 201 E. Ash St., Mason, MI 48854 with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Lawrence and Clara Belle Burgess can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Mason or Care Team Hospice, 30600 Northwestern Hwy., Ste. 245, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Mason Chapel.