Auburn - James Lawrence Lawlor Jr. passed away October 31, 2018 at the Hospice House in Auburn Maine surrounded by his loving family. He was born at home in Auburn Maine on January 1933 the son of the late James Lawrence Lawlor Sr. and Ethel Alberta (Macomber) Lawlor. He was the first New Years baby of 1933 with a full page newspaper write up on all of the items that he and his family received for his birth. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and was sent to fight in the Korean War. He served two tours in Korea and a year and a half in Vietnam. He earned his GED while serving our country. He retired March 31, 1973 after serving 24 years in the Army as an E7. Once he retired from the Army he worked at Maine Oxy for 15 years then went into business at West Business Systems and drove for Lee Oldsmobile for a short time. He met and fell in love with Mary Ellen Cheetham in 1950 at a dance on Bradman Street in East Auburn and persistently pursued her, asking to take her home and she told him no....she was going home with the girlfriend she came with and when she got home he was waiting in the driveway! They were married on July 8, 1952 at the East Auburn Baptist Church and had a reception at Aunt Norma and Uncle Carl's home with cake and ice cream. He loved to go to Rolly’s Diner in New Auburn every morning for breakfast and also to harass the waitresses. He was loved by all due to his sense of humor and out going personality. He loved to talk with all people. He belonged to the VFW Post 1603 of Auburn Maine, he was a member of the American Legion on Washington St in Auburn Maine, a member of the Rabboni Lodge #150 A.F. & A.M. Auburn Maine and the Eastern Star Pinecone Chapter #26. James is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Mary Ellen (Cheetham) Lawlor. Brother Arthur Lawlor, daughter Ellen S. & Stephen Broas, son Donald K. & Pam Lawlor, son Ronald S. & Diane Lawlor, daughter Heidi L. & Brian McIntosh, son James L. & Terri Lawlor III. He leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father James L. Lawlor Sr, mother Ethel A. Lawlor, his sister Francis(Lawlor) Gendron, mother-In-law Alma Cheetham and his shining star, his daughter Julieanna Lynn Lawlor. Visiting hours will be held from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tuesday, November 6, at The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St. Auburn. A funeral service will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, November 7, at The Fortin Group. A graveside ceremony with military honors will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 980 Turner St, Auburn. In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to The Julieanna Lynn Lawlor second year nursing scholarship at CMMC School of Nursing. Please visit www.thefortingroupauburn.com to share condolences.
