Jon W Lawler Sr.

Jon Lawler was born on January 16, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Clyde and Berniss (née Gatz) Lawler. He was the third of five children. Growing up in Chicago instilled in him a lifelong love of the city's sports teams, especially his beloved Chicago Cubs.

Jon joined the United States Air Force in 1958, where he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. He proudly served as a tail gunner aboard the B-52 City of Rome.

In 1960, Jon married Judy Buckner, and together they welcomed four children: Michael, Rita, Ronald, and Jon Jr. They later divorced in 1970.

In 1975, Jon met the love of his life, Dawn Salava. They were married on April 11, 1976, in Villa Park, Illinois, beginning a marriage that spanned 50 wonderful years. The couple eventually moved to Arkansas, where they welcomed their daughter, Shauna. In 1994, they returned home to Illinois, where they remained together until Jon's passing on July 6, 2026.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Berniss Lawler; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Janet (Frank) Graham, Claudia (Bob) Mitchell, and Bonnie (Gary) Hawkins; and his son, Michael Lawler.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dawn; his children, Rita Lozano, Ronald (Laura) Lawler, Jon Lawler Jr., and Shauna (Terry) Kirschbaum; his brother, Terry Lawler; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Jon will be remembered for his love of family, his years of military service to his country, and his unwavering loyalty to his Chicago Cubs. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.