Bill Lawler

Bill Lawler, age 89, a lifelong resident of Highwood passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, Illinois. He was born in Waukegan, Illinois on December 11, 1932 to the union of John and Beatrice (Conway) Lawler.  Bill graduated from Highland Park High School, class of 1950 and was a decorated Army Veteran, serving in the Airborne Division as a paratrooper during the Korean War.  

On October 27, 1956 he married the one and only Yones Rabattini.  They shared a wonderful life together and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Yones transported to a better place only weeks before Bill, so their separation was only momentary. 

Bill could be relied upon throughout his life to help others.  He volunteered time in planning capacities at both the City of Highwood and Ft. Sheridan.  Back in the day when televisions still had tubes, if a friend or family needed their TV fixed he was there to save the day.  Wallpaper project? - call Bill.   While he really didn't love those projects, he did love helping those that were dear to him.    

A dedicated public servant, he worked for both the Navy and Army for long periods in civilian management capacities until his retirement at the ripe age of 55. He was so intent on retiring, the day he was eligible, that he neglected to share that minor detail with Yones, who was surprised to learn she would be leading the employment team alone. His neighborhood cronies, however, were fully on board with their new playmate. 

Bill was known as “Uncle Bill” to many, related or not, and had a wonderfully unique sense of humor.  He had the rare gift of insightful humor that lit up a room without putting anyone down.  He enjoyed singing at family events and could be found leading his grandchildren in a heartfelt rendition of “The Little Bird” song. While Grammy Awards were never imminent, the entertainment value was through the roof. 

Beloved husband of Yones (late). Loving father of Scott (Ruth) Lawler of Lake Bluff, David (Tish) Lawler of Centennial, Colorado, Jordy (Aimee) Lawler of Lake Forest and Jennifer (TJ) Sommers of Geneva, Super amazing Babbo of Casey, Kerry, Jack (Leizel, Dominick and Mia), Emma, Jordan, Shannon, Katie, Nick, Jono and Sarah. Dear brother of late Sheila (late Col. Harry) Brown, late John (late Mildred)Lawler, late Peggy (late Don Beaudin and late Ken Margeson) and late Margery Eldridge.

A joint memorial visitation for both Bill and Yones will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 pm at Sequins & Symonds Funeral Home, 858 Sheridan Rd, Highwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Highwood Historical Society or The Fort Sheridan Historical Society.  

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