St. Clair County Obits

WALTER R. LAWLER
 
Clinton Eye
1936
Walter Lawler died at 10:30 a.m. Monday with the most severe type of pneumonia, with which he had suffered about a week before death released him from his sufferings at his home east of Clinton. Everything that could be procured was used to keep the life flame burning, including a special trained nurse from Kansas City, two physicians and an oxygen tent.
Mr. Lawler had been in a generally run down condition for some months, and his strength was not sufficient for him to recover when the pneumonia set in.
Mr. Lawler, son of James W. and Louisa Kathryn Lawler, was born January 25, 1882, and spent his entire life in this county, with the exception of a few years he lived with his parents in St. Clair County near Lowry City. He was a grandson of Rev. Wm. B. Lawler, pioneer Baptist preacher of Henry County, and from this grandfather was handed down the old heritage of Baptist faith. Mr. Lawler was saved and united with the Good Hope Baptist Church in 1908, and was one of the strongest pillars of this church the remainder of his life. He supported the church not only with his ability and talent but also liberally of his means, and lived his life in such a way that it was an example for all his family and friends to follow. Every church service found Mr. Lawler in attendance if he was at all able, and always sought to follow his Master's teachings and to build His kingdom. In every way, Mr. Lawler was an exemplary man, in business, in home, and in religious affairs. Farming was his occupation and he was successful in this business, providing well for his family.
His farm was a well-improved place which he had built up from a small beginning, and all his success was honestly achieved. He was a prominent mule and cattle man, both raising and trading in this stock.
Miss Nellie Irene Smith and Walter Lawler were united in marriage June 9, 1909, and their married life had been spent in the eastern part of the county in the Coal community. They were given two daughters, Mildred Irene and Mary Kathryn, both of the home.
Besides these daughters who are left to comfort their bereaved mother, one brother, William B. Lawler of Drexel survives Mr. Lawler. A sister and his parents preceded him in death.
The funeral was conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. by Rev. Hugh Sperry of Clinton at the good Hope Baptist church. Rev. Dale Huft, a former pastor of the church who is now in southern Missouri, assisted Rev. Sperry. Burial was in Englewood under the direction of the Wilkinson Funeral Service.