Donald "Don" R. Lawler, 77, of Springfield, passed away at 6:02 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center. Don was born May 9, 1935 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Thomas Frances and Thelma Ellen Trent Lawler. Don served his country in the Army National Guard. He worked as a dog groomer for 23 years and then was the originator of Scofflaw Farms for 24 years, where he worked as a horse trainer and riding instructor. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and past president of Midstate IL Hunter and Jumper Association. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: S.A.R.A. Center, 1315 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702.
