Richard James Lawler

Richard was preceeded in eternal rest by his parents James and Patricia, his brothers Patrick & Robert, his sister Patricia, and his beloved niece Patricia (Trish/Patti Ann). Richard leaves behind brothers and sisters; Dr James Jr (US Air Force), Timothy (Sue) Keith (Jeanne) Cynthia (Michael, US Air Force) Kathleen (John, US Navy) and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Sergeant Lawler was drafted in 1968 in the United States Army and served with honor for two tours of duty in Vietnam and Cambodia. He suffered PTSD after military service with flashbacks and nightmares until he came to the Lord in 1995 after a fall from a 5-story building. It was a long slow recovery with many operations over the years. Rick was able to live with his mother; “Mommy Angel” for years. Years later he lived in a few VA home care facilities that were not good for him. After years of waiting, he was able to get a room at the Hines VA long term Spinal Care unit where he received love and care.
Rick enjoyed all kinds of sports; he was a Chicago White Sox fan and seemed to enjoy getting into debates with his father over sports. Rick was on the Track team during High School. He got his nick name, “Go Go Rick” from his running days. He worked in Manufacturing for many years after the Service and ran a few marathons with his brother-in-law John.
Rick was blessed and enjoyed seeing his Sister Kathleen’s (Katy/Kit) daughter Ashley and her children visit. He would light up when they came in to see him. Both Cory and Katherine brought so much joy to their Uncle Rick over the years. Rick loved to eat good foods; one of the remaining pleasers of life he had. Rick was an awfully slow eater since childhood.
Over the years everyone that came into Rick’s room would hear him say, “Painfully happy with the Good Lord” This was Rick’s way of sharing his faith in Jesus and making it through many painful days.
Rick was blessed to have his family help him through many troubling years. Although Rick’s family was not able to see him as often as they would want, Rick was a part of their hearts and memories.
Rick was blessed to have special family members that were able to be a part of his life over the years, His sister Kathleen (Kit) will always hold a special place in his heart for her enduring love showed to him as he ran his last race.

In Honor of Vietnam Veteran Richard J.C. Lawler, Sergeant US Army 1968-71 a gift to (DAV) Disabled American Veterans.

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