Michael J. Lawrence Sr., a career noncommissioned Army officer and later an inspector for the Army Corps of Engineers, died in his sleep Oct. 26 at his Gambrills home. He was 72.

Mr. Lawrence was born and raised in New York City. After graduation from New York public schools, he enlisted in the Army in 1946.

He fought with an infantry unit in Korea, earning a Silver Star, Purple Heart and Legion of Merit. "He was wounded in Korea but never talked about it," said his wife of 48 years, the former Eleanor Marie Petkiewicz.

Mr. Lawrence remained in the service until being discharged with the rank of sergeant major at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., his last duty station.

In 1968, he went to work as a civilian inspector for the Army Corps of Engineers. He retired in 1989.

Mr. Lawrence volunteered with the Red Cross, the Anne Arundel County Police Department and St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. He was also a volunteer information specialist at Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council.

He enjoyed bowling and collecting coins.

Mr. Lawrence was a communicant of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Odenton where a Mass of Christian burial was offered Wednesday.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Lawrence is survived by a son, James Lawrence of Crofton; three daughters, Susan Lawrence of Clarksville, Kathleen Fritz of Odenton and Roberta Lawrence of Elkridge; and six grandchildren. Another son, Michael J. Lawrence Jr., died in 1974.