"Diana, I'm sorry for your loss. I wish you peace."
In loving memory of
Don Laws
June 2, 2014
Donald Dewane Laws, age 81, 832 Country Club Drive East, Quincy, died on Monday, June 2, 2014 at 1:37 a.m. in his home.
He was born on March 24, 1933 in Memphis, Missouri, the son of Clarence and Mary Mae Summers Laws. On June 25, 1955, he married Sheila Kathleen Menne in St. Peter's Catholic Church. She survives.
Don was the youngest of seven children, and moved to Quincy with his family in his early years. He attended the Quincy grade schools and graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1951.
Don spent three years in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954. He serving during the Korean War aboard the USS Buck, a Sumner class destroyer.
Don and Sheila lived in the Quad-Cities while Sheila attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. After she graduated in 1962 the family moved to Quincy.
Don was employed for 30 years as a customer service agent for Ozark Airlines. He was initially based in Moline, Illinois before working out of Quincy at Baldwin Field. He retired from Ozark in 1986, while stationed at Madison, Wisconsin. After his retirement he started a lawn-care and painting business and cared for his customers for 25 years.
Don served as President of the Mendon Lions Club (1997-1998) when Sheila and Don lived in their country home outside Mendon. He was known for his wit, storytelling, and joking with anyone with whom he talked. He enjoyed his grandchildren's sporting events, following the success of the QND sports teams, and working outdoors. Don loved Christmas, and he spoiled his family making special Christmas memories.
During his working years and after his retirement, he and Sheila traveled extensively throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Ireland, New Zealand, & Australia
Survivors in addition to his wife include four children, Dr. Diana (Todd) Franklin of Quincy, Dr. Suzanne (Jon) Feldmann of Monmouth, IL, Julie (Rick) Bruening of Quincy, and Joseph (Larry Sawallish) Laws of Quincy; seven grandchildren, Brandon (Molly) Bruening, Christopher (Letha) Franklin, Jennifer Schofield, Heather (Dr. Greg) Bosshardt, Tristin Bruening, Andrew (Amanda) Schofield, and Daniel (Julie) Schofield; seven great-grandchildren, Simon, Cecilia, Samuel and Augustine Bruening, Alex and Luke Bosshardt, Elizabeth Schofield, and two more due this fall.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: William, Henry, Kenneth, & Lester Laws, and two sisters, Lena Allen & Mae Laws.
Services: 9:30 prayers on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter with Monsignor Leo Enlow officiating.
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois with Military Rites conducted by the American Legion Post #37
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2014 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Memorials: Blessing Foundation for Hospice, Quincy Humane Society or QND Sports Program
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Sheila and Diane. My heart is with you during this time. You were so close and such a model for others. May your hearts find peace."
"Dear Laws Family, We were so sad to hear of Don's recent passing. He was one of a kind! Our most sincere condolences to each of you. Sincerely, Beth Forbes"
"Dr. Sheila and family thinking of you. Don will be missed."
"Wish we were there, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so glad we got to spend the day Friday with him and everyone. I can never forget all the wonderful memories I have with him. They will last a lifetime! He was my favorite! We always tried to come and see you when we were coming through and if we couldn't we always tried to call. I always loved they way his eyes would light up when I walked in to the room and have a big ole smile and say, "there is my Kathy Beanie!". I love to listen to him talk about growing up. And all the family history and stories! I wonder did he ever get that darn flashlight back? God bless and thinking of you guys and wish we could be there. We will get in touch when we get back home. Love you all! Kent and Kathy beanie"
"Dear Laws family, We don't know each other but please accept my deep sorrow and regrets for your loss for death always brings much grief and pain and I'd like to share what helped me when I lost my whole family to this enemy death. I found much comfort and hope in what Jehovah Gods word the Bible says at John11:11 that says our love ones are just asleep and Jesus states at John5:28,29 that we'll see our love ones again and we also have the comfort of what ICor15:26 says that this enemy death will be done away with. These scriptures help me get through each day and I'm truly hoping they'll help you in some way for this is my purpose in sharing them with you and please know I do share your grief. Sincerely, Gloria"
"An everlasting friendship started that year on the Dinner Cruise in Hawaii so many laughs so many memories on your trips to N.Z.and the wonderful week we spent with you both in 2001 hospitality plus with you and your loving family .We have been honoured to have been Dons friends and are feeling for the family at this sad time.take care look after Mum and please visit us in N.Z.soon.I wish i could have baked you one last batch of shortbread Don Much Love Eleanor and Nigel"
"Was so sorry to hear of Dr. Di and Dr. Sheila's husband and father passing. I pray that you both will be lifted up, by the many memories you have. Our prayers are with you and your family."
"He is resting in God's loving arms. My deepest sympathy to all of you during this sad and painful time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers."
"We are so sorry to learn of Dons passing. Don and Sheila we're dear friends of our while we lived in Quincy and after our move. Don helped us care for our property on Maine Street. A more dependable, honest and friendly individual cannot be found. We recall many conversations with him as he proudly talked about his family, their trips and the accomplishments of each and every family member. He was so proud of all of you. We will miss him dearly, but his legacy will will live on through each of you. The Gem City has truly lost one of its Gems. God bless and our prayers to Sheila and family."
"All of our Prayers are with you, Sheila, and family."
"I was saddened to hear of Dons passing. My thoughts and prayers for Sheila and the entire family."