Michael J. Lawler

December 22, 2021

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Michael J. Lawler, 56, passed away on December 22, 2021 at Witham Health Services in Lebanon, Ind.  He was born on October 18, 1965 in Frankfort to Thomas J. Lawler and Barbara (Imel) Davies.

Michael was a lifelong Clinton County resident, 1984 graduate of Clinton Central High School, and 1986graduate of Nashville Auto Diesel College in Nashville, TN.  Mike had worked for the last 25 years at Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette.  He had previously worked at Dean’s Auto Repair and was a lifelong Farmer.  He attended Abundant Life Church in Kokomo.  He loved family, friends, quarter horses, farming, traveling, and cooking – especially BBQ and had dreamed of opening a BBQ restaurant “Bumpa’s”.

 

Memorial Donations may be made in Mike’s honor to the Clinton County 4-H Horse and Pony Club or the Sheridan Fire Department with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Visitation and Services

Friends may visit 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main Street, Frankfort.  Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Whiteman Cemetery, Michigantown, Indiana. 

Survived by:

Surviving are his Father: Thomas (Linda) Lawler of Frankfort; Mother: Barbara (Maurie) Davies of Frankfort; He was previously married to Lisa McCain and they had 3 Children: Cody (Adrienne) Lawler of Frankfort, Hanna (Cassidy) Lawler of Michigantown, and Logan (Kim) Lawler of Frankfort.  On December 31, 2018, he married his high school sweetheart, Sara Bryan, and gained 2 children: Dr. Daniel (Grace) Whitcomb of Tulsa, OK and Kaleb (Samantha) Whitcomb of Forest; Sister: Terri Jo (Scott) Reese of Ocala, FL and Brothers: David Lawler of Kirklin and Brad Lawler of Knightstown.  He was blessed with 3 Grandchildren: Jackson Lawler and Kezia and Solomon Whitcomb.

Memorial Video

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Condolences

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59 Condolences for “Michael J. Lawler”

  1. Deb Peter December 23, 2021 at 1:30 pm

    Sara and all the family,
    My heart just breaks for all of you! Michael was such a wonderful guy and always had a smile on his face. When Sara and Michael got back together after all these years it was the happiest I had seen Sara in a very long time!
    I am so sorry for your loss. I pray God wraps his loving arms you all and provides the strength and comfort you need during this time of grief.
    Deb Peter

    Reply
  2. Pamela Pitzer December 23, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    My sincere condolences to the Lawler family.

    To Mike I say keeping sharing your beautiful smile & dimples down upon us.

    Your Clinton Central classmate,
    Pamela Pitzer

    Reply
  3. Darlene (Coates) Barba December 23, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    My heart breaks for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this of grief.

    Reply
  4. Cayla Bittles December 23, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Sara and entire Lawler Family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

    Love, Pastor Charlie and Michelle and the rest of your ALC Family

    Reply
  5. Brenda December 23, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    Sara I am so so very sorry. You and your family are in my and Brian’s prayers

    Reply
  6. Nancy Risk December 23, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    My prayers are with you and your family. I love you and I’m so sorry to hear this.

    Reply
  7. Wanda kercheval December 23, 2021 at 2:46 pm

    So very sorry to hear about Mike.

    Reply
  8. Linda +Tom Goodman December 23, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    Sara
    Tom and I are completely shocked and so sorry for you loss. What can anyone say to help with your grief.
    Let me know if there is anything we can do for you.

    Love you.

    Reply
  9. Kevin Watkins December 23, 2021 at 2:56 pm

    So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  10. Shawn Green December 23, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    My most heart felt condolences to both Sarah and Michael’s families.

    Reply
  11. Jim ferguspb December 23, 2021 at 3:32 pm

    Gone too soon but will treasure the friendship that I made with you . Fly high Mike

    Reply
  12. Tami and Rob Breeding December 23, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Sara so sorry for your loss. Prayers.

    Reply
  13. Jamie Patchett Norman December 23, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    Michael passed away way to young. I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers.

    Reply
  14. Jeremiah December 23, 2021 at 5:01 pm

    I’m very shocked and very sorry for your family’s loss. You have my deepest sympathy. I worked with him for years at caterpillar and got to know him. May God bring you peace during this very difficult time.

    Reply
  15. Keith Gephart December 23, 2021 at 6:22 pm

    A man who has risen to be able to protect those whom he loved. A special person to all who knew him, his love for animals, as well as those he shared life with. His wings will cover all who knew him and those that didn’t. Michael was a kind hearted person to all and he will be missed by all. We must all keep the faith and strength that we shall all one day be together again. Prayers to his family and his highest love Sara, keeping his memory alive in your hearts. Harley sends his 💕

    Reply
  16. Rick and Janie Gunter December 23, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    To Mike’s entire family, we know there are no words to lesson the grief of his loss. Mike was a good guy and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him. RIP Mike.

    Reply
  17. Elias Tovar Jr December 23, 2021 at 7:01 pm

    Me and my wife Alejandra worked with Mike for years at Caterpillar and can honestly say that we have lost a great man. He was always the first to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge. It’s been a few years since we moved away and talked with Mike but he has always been in my thought like the rest our Caterpillar family. We are honored to have not only work with you but get to know the great man you are sir. Sending our prayers and Love to his family and friends.

    Reply
  18. Cande (Weaver) Coulter December 23, 2021 at 8:33 pm

    I am shocked and saddened to hear of the news of Mike’s passing. May all the memories remain in your hearts as you grieve a missing piece of your lives. His smile was infectious and he wore it well as he shared it with others.

    Reply
  19. Jake Light December 23, 2021 at 9:10 pm

    RIP young man. May God be with you and your family.

    Reply
  20. Patty December 23, 2021 at 9:13 pm

    So very heartbroken for all the families in Mike’s life. Such a sweet soul gone too soon.

    Reply
  21. Will Stalbaum December 23, 2021 at 9:37 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Michael at Caterpillar during his entire career there. He was always so helpful whenever I needed help or information. My thoughts and prayers are your entire family.

    Reply
  22. Teresa Lyles December 23, 2021 at 10:24 pm

    So incredibly sorry for your loss. Much love and prayers to Sara and the entire family.

    Reply
  23. Donna O’Brien December 23, 2021 at 10:44 pm

    Can’t even imagine your pain and loss. So sorry you lost Mike. If there is anything I can do or help with, please let me know.

    Reply
  24. Julie Avery December 23, 2021 at 11:17 pm

    There are no words that can express how deeply I know Michael’s whole family will feel his loss. So instead, I give my thanks for having known him since all the Lawler kids & I were young. You all are one fun, wonderful bunch of people. Michael has always had a big smile & he has a fine family of his own. I am grateful to know that Michael was so very happy with Sara & that he got to fall in love all over again late in life. I can only hope the good memories will help sustain you through this. My heart is with you all.

    Reply
  25. Phil & Dawn Cormany December 24, 2021 at 12:21 am

    Sara,
    We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words to ease your pain. Praying that you feel God’s embrace during this difficult time.

    Reply
  26. Rhonda (Butts) Edwards December 24, 2021 at 2:00 am

    I can’t express the words of how sorry I am for his family’s great loss! He was a great guy, great smile and he was always Mike.
    He left way too soon! God has a plan for him…
    Hugs to all of the family and prayers for Mike to live on with lots of good times & most of all, everything he has always wanted.

    Reply
  27. Lanna Pugsley December 24, 2021 at 8:06 am

    Barb and family,

    So sad to hear of your loss. Prayers for everyone to get through this tough time especially at the holiday season.

    Lanna

    Reply
  28. Francesca Gallinger December 24, 2021 at 8:16 am

    So sorry for your loss. He was a very nice person to work with. May the good Lord wrap his arms around all his family and give them peace and guidance through this time of sorrow.

    Reply
  29. Travis Blankenship December 24, 2021 at 8:59 am

    The Lawler Family,

    My deepest condolences for your loss. I have had the pleasure of working with Mike over the last several years at Caterpillar. I was his team lead for a short time, but can assure you that Mike led me more than I could have ever led him. He was always willing to lend me a hand and share his knowledge. He was a mentor and friend and will be greatly missed. Prayers to your family during this difficult time.

    Reply
  30. Collette December 24, 2021 at 9:49 am

    So very sorry for your loss! You are in my prayers!

    Reply
  31. Larry and Pat Newton December 24, 2021 at 11:14 am

    To Sara and ALL the Lawler family. We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our family first knew the Lawler’s when they showed 4-H sheep. Mike was a great guy and Sara, we will keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  32. Dwayne Howard December 24, 2021 at 2:18 pm

    Sending prayers to all of Mike’s family and friends. I was lucky to have known Mike. Rest in peace my Brother.

    Reply
  33. Jeanie and Gary Thompson December 24, 2021 at 6:26 pm

    Sara, we are so sad to hear of Mikes passing. We will keep you and all of the kids and the rest of the family, in our thoughts and prayer, in the days and weeks ahead.

    Reply
  34. Tim Wyrick December 24, 2021 at 9:15 pm

    Mike was a member of the class of ’84 and we had an absolute blast in Mr. Ralph Walkers FFA and farm power class. This will be a very hard time for Tom and Barb and his children, but always remember how much he loved you all and one day you will be together again!

    Reply
  35. Janel & Steve Allen December 24, 2021 at 10:58 pm

    So very sorry. May God give you peace and strength.

    Reply
  36. Chris Bybee December 25, 2021 at 6:03 am

    Much loves and hugs to the family. Rip to Mike. heaven gained an awesome angel.

    Reply
  37. Dennis Young December 25, 2021 at 7:32 am

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I often thought of him and that tilted head smile. God be with you his family. May God comfort you with warm thoughts of him always. So long my old classmate.

    Reply
  38. Joni and Steve Anderson December 26, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Sorry very sorry to hear of Michael’s passing! To Sara and Terri Jo and all the Lawler family, our heartfelt sympathy

    Reply
  39. Olivia Wilson December 26, 2021 at 10:16 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. To the whole Lawler family, I am truly sorry. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him and spend time with him. He always welcomed me with open arms. He truly had a big heart and a great laugh. May you find peace during this difficult time. Please know my thoughts and best wishes are with you.

    Reply
  40. Linda George Ostler December 27, 2021 at 9:02 am

    Friends of Tom and Linda and Barbara and Maurice. So sorry for Mike’s passing. Rest in the arms of Jesus but missed by friends and family, hold on to Jesus. Remember all the good memories. With love and prayers,

    Linda

    Reply
  41. Mindy Pryor December 27, 2021 at 10:28 am

    Sara,
    When I heard that you and Mike, high school sweethearts, were back together again and how happy you both were, I was very happy for you both. I know Mike would have loved to have spent many more years with you, but God had other plans for him. I’m sure it is to welcome others to heaven with that wonderful smile of his. Cherish the memories you were able to make with Mike during these last few years together. May God hold you in his arms and provide you with strength and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mike’s family.
    Mindy (Jobe) Pryor

    Reply
  42. Bethany Johnston December 27, 2021 at 10:44 am

    I am so sorry for your loss! I am keeping your family in my thoughts during this unbearable time.

    Reply
  43. Pat Crabtree December 27, 2021 at 1:33 pm

    My sincere condolences to Michael’s family, It was my privilege to work with Michael at Caterpillar. We shared many stories about our families and projects outside of work. His Cat family will miss him. God’s peace and comfort for you all,
    Pat Crabtree

    Reply
  44. Laurenda Whitcomb December 27, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    Sara & Family,

    There are no words to express how very sorry we are for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. May the good Lord keep his arms around you all.

    Tom & Laurenda Whitcomb

    Reply
  45. Cindy Swope December 27, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    Sara and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  46. Trish Robbins December 27, 2021 at 9:11 pm

    Sara and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Class of 84 classmate,
    Trish (Ploughe) Robbins

    Reply
  47. Beverly L Girard December 27, 2021 at 9:43 pm

    Dear Sara and all of our Lawler Family,
    Our hearts are broken at the loss of Cousin Mike. Such a good and sweet man. He will always be remembered for his ready smile and his love of family. We pray for all of you as you face the days ahead. So many wonderful memories between our families. We send our love and heartfelt prayers.
    Love,
    Ellery & Beverly (Lawler) Girard

    Reply
  48. Mary Kay Baker December 27, 2021 at 11:54 pm

    Sending you our thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories close to your heart. We are so sorry.

    John and Mary Kay Baker

    Reply
  49. Mary Price December 28, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    Sarah. Just saw this on my messenger. I am so sad to hear about this. I will be praying for you. If I can be of any help please let me know. I loved you both like my own.

    Reply
  50. Christina L Kersey (Crum) December 28, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    I am saddened to hear of your loss I am praying for you all in this sad time. I remember Mike and I graduated with Brad. You will all be in my prayers for a long time.

    Reply
  51. Carolyn Abbott December 28, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    I’m so sorry, family has prayers and hugs.

    Reply
  52. Lori Meagher December 28, 2021 at 6:19 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families..

    Reply
  53. Tim Schmitter December 28, 2021 at 7:02 pm

    Sorry for your loss.
    Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
    Mike was a Great Friend growing up when we were going through the school years. He definitely was a role model and mentor.

    Reply
  54. Bill and Linda Dean December 29, 2021 at 8:04 am

    Sara, Cody, Hannah, Logan and family, No words can express the sadness we feel, for the loss of Mike. He was a wonderful person and friend. We will miss his visits, and his smile, until we meet again my friend!

    Reply
  55. Brad Barnes December 29, 2021 at 11:18 am

    Lawler Family, Our deepest condolences to you on Mike passing. The Barnes Family

    Reply
  56. Sandra Tishner December 30, 2021 at 6:32 pm

    So sorry for your loss, bless the family.

    Reply
  57. Jim Meyer December 31, 2021 at 7:32 pm

    Sending my condolences to the family. Michael and I worked together for years. I can remember many years ago we were filling a spray bottle with a blue preservative and the pressure of the air and blue tarp exploded out of the bottle covering Michael and I like a couple of Smurf’s. We were covered head to toe with it, and I still remember his face today. Thankfully, he forgave me for my stupidity and we laughed our asses off! I’ll miss you Michael and God Speed to you!

    Reply
  58. Derek Brant January 6, 2022 at 2:21 am

    Thoughts and prayers for the family! K-12 classmate, 1984 CCHS graduating class, FFA, band, 4-H, Little League, many memories and those dimples! He will be missed!!!

    Reply
  59. Connie Clark (née McBride) January 12, 2022 at 5:18 pm

    Oh my goodness. I can’t imagine losing a child. God must have really needed him to take him before Christmas. My condolences to one and all. Everybody else, stay healthy!

    Reply

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