Thomas Francis Lawler

Thomas Francis Lawler III, 86, of Springfield, died at 9:41 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center. Thomas was born July 20, 1926 in Springfield, the son of Thomas and Thelma Trent Lawler. He married Bernadine Templeton on June 4, 1949 in Springfield. Thomas was a 1945 graduate from Springfield High School and attended University of Illinois. He proudly served his country in the Air Force in both World War II and Korean War. His employment history included Vredenburgh Lumber Company, Galaboski- Spinney & Cody Architects, MD Turley Architects, and Carpenters Union. He retired in 1979 from Bank Builders, Inc. in Florida where he headed the engineering department for ten years. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marsha Ann Lawler Little; and brother, Donald Lawler. He is survived by his wife, Bernadine Templeton Lawler of Springfield; daughter, Michele Winkler of Chapel Hill, NC; brother, John Lawler; grandchildren, Megan, Amy, Casey and Riley; great-grandchildren, Kiersten, Katelyn, Drew, and Ellie; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Graveside Ceremony: Family will host a graveside ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 17, 2012 at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors.