Lawrence L. Morningstar Sr., age 82 of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully, Monday, May 19, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 24, 1931 in Hart, the son of Harold and Tessie (Andrews) Morningstar. Lawrence was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving during the Korean War. He married the former Charlene Higley on August 11, 1956 in Hopkins. Lawrence worked for Bert Myers Excavating for over twenty years and was a skilled and exceptional crane operator. In 1979, he established Lawrence Morningstar Enterprises and certainly left his mark on the Big Rapids community and throughout the state. He prepared many of the building sites for the expansion of Ferris State University, Big Rapids High School, Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Kmart Plaza, plus he was fortunate enough to support the City of Big Rapids with their many projects that required his expertise. Lawrence enjoyed bowling for many years; was a member of Operators Union # 324 and Big Rapids Eagles Aerie # 2535. Lawrence had a superior work ethic and willingly donated his work to many area churches, friends, neighbors and people in need but never expected any recognition for his generosity. No matter what kind of day Lawrence was having; he will always be remembered as smiling, because every day was a good day for Lawrence and he wanted everyone he met to have a good day too. He is survived by his loving wife Charlene Morningstar; five children, Lawrence "Larry" Morningstar Jr., Dawn (Van Johnson) Morningstar, Scott (Karen) Morningstar, Todd (Sue Gray) Morningstar all of Big Rapids, Tracie (Nick) Schroeder of Hesperia; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Frank (Lois) Morningstar of Rothbury; four sisters, Joan Lindsey of Pennsylvania, Phyllis Wambaugh of Hart, Sandra (Arlo) Barry of Kentucky, Patricia Lawrie of Montague; many nieces and nephews and dear friends, including Gordy and Donna Turner, Rollie and Kay Walters all of Big Rapids and Ernie and Pat Hagerman of Allegan. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bert Myers, Robert Morningstar, Harold Morningstar Jr., Edward Morningstar; sisters, Marguerite Werner, Virginia Schroeder, Dorothy Rayburn and Lillian Morningstar. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with his dear friend Clare Kwant officiating. Interment will be at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids. The family will greet friends on Friday, May 23rd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Lawrence's name may be made to either Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital Foundation (memo: Inpatient Rehab Unit) or the Mecosta County Commission on Aging.