Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Michael Craig Lawrence

1952 – 2025

Michael Craig Lawrence passed away on April 7, 2025, at UPMC Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. His final moments were spent surrounded by love and family.

Born in 1952 and raised in the Ohio Valley, Mike was a man of few words but deep impact. Steady, kind, and selfless, he lived by simple truths and quiet strength. A saying true to his life, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” captured not only his sense of practicality, but his steady, grounded way of moving through the world.

He served his country with honor in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a Marine Mechanic (Boiler Technician) aboard the USS Benjamin Stoddert, receiving his honorable discharge in 1973. After his service, he returned to the Ohio Valley, where he spent his professional life at Koppers Industries. There, he held several roles and was respected as a highly skilled and dependable head electrician.

Mike was a man of many talents. A gifted musician, he attended Bowling Green University as a music major before enlisting. He could play nearly any instrument by ear, and had a lifelong love for thoughtful, well-crafted rock music—bands like Rush, Avenged Sevenfold, and The Eagles filled his home and his heart. He shared that gift generously with his daughter, passing on a love of music that shaped her life.

He also had a natural gift with machines. Whether it was tuning up a motorcycle or fixing a car, Mike was the person everyone called when something broke. More than just a handyman, he was a craftsman—and if he couldn’t fix it, it truly wasn’t broken.

Though quiet by nature, his presence was deeply felt by those lucky enough to know him. He cared deeply for his family, acting as a full-time caregiver for his mother, Melvene, in her final years. He was a devoted brother, a protective and loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

A lifelong motorcyclist, Mike volunteered with ABATE CMRO Region 8, where he served as Region President. His advocacy helped protect rider freedoms across the state, and his commitment to the community reflected his values of independence, respect, and personal choice.

He is survived by his daughter, Toni Nicole Lawrence; his grandson, Braxton Henry Lawrence; and his great-granddaughter, Mariana Lawrence. He is also survived by his sister, Oma Jean Smith; his brother, Fred Thomas Lawrence; and his nieces and nephews—Aaron and Sara Smith, as well as Brianna, Cassandra, and Brian O’Rourke. He will be fondly remembered by the large and loving Newbold and Carson families, as well as his dear friends and neighbors Shirley and Harold Smith Jr., with whom he shared decades of friendship that dated back to living on Lee Ridge Road.

Cremation was his chosen path, and his ashes will be laid to rest at Fort Steuben Burial Estates during a graveside service at 11 a.m. on May 8, 2025.

Mike lived with quiet purpose, never needing to announce himself. His loyalty, work ethic, and kindness left a lasting imprint on everyone he knew. He will be missed more than words can express.

Ride in peace, Mike. The engine may be quiet, but the legacy hums on.

“Soulshine” – Gov’t Mule / The Allman Brothers Band

"Let your soul shine / It’s better than sunshine / It’s better than moonshine..."