Stephen J. Lawler, Sr.'s Obituary
On September 9, 2012, Stephen James Lawler drew his final earthly breath and awoke at his Savior's feet. Steve was born on April 2, 1948, to Billy Joe and Billy Jane Wolfram Lawler in McAllen, Texas. Two years after graduating from high school in Atwater, California, Steve met the love of his life, Diana Lynn Jacques on Labor Day weekend of 1968. They married on May 3, 1969, and celebrated 43 years of marriage. As a man with a strong sense of right and wrong, Steve served the community of Atwater as a police officer from 1969 to 1981. Steve then moved his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to pursue a degree in business, graduating summa cum laude from Oral Roberts University in 1984. He went on to receive a Masters in accounting from the University of Tulsa with the distinction of magna cum laude in 1985. He was the recipient of both the F.B. Perriott Educational Scholarship for the TU Graduate Business School and the Junior Achievement Award in Community Service. His lifelong pursuit of education was evident as he attained certifications as CPA (1986), CIA (1989), and CFA (2010). While in Tulsa, Steve enjoyed his work, service to and time with friends at First Christian Church, TU football games, and the Tulsa music scene. His professional career began as an internal auditor at Williams Companies of Tulsa in 1985. In 1999, he and Diana embarked on an adventure when he accepted the opportunity to transfer to the WorldCom offices in Hong Kong. A true survivor of the business world, Steve worked through the Telecoms crash and the WorldCom fraud and bankruptcy to become the Director of Operations for Asia-Pacific for Verizon. During their 12 years in Hong Kong, Steve and Diana hosted numerous US servicemen and women in port through the Meals in Homes programs associated with the American Women's Association, the US Navy 7th Fleet, and the US Consulate in Hong Kong. He could count among his acquaintances or friends generals, admirals, consular officers, political, military, and religious leaders in Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, China, and Japan, but his favorite people were the many chaplains, Master Chiefs, and crew members received in his home for a family meal and laugh around his table. Because of his health, Steve and Diana retired to Bethany in 2011 to spend time with their grandsons, in whom he delighted and was most proud. His joy came from helping others and knowing that he did something good to make another's life better. He is remembered as a kind and gentle giant, mentor, and friend to many around the world. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and youngest son, Stephen James 'Jimmy' Lawler, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Diana of the home; two sisters, Janice Meadows of San Antonio, TX, and Linda Hanford of Ontario, CA; two brothers, Paul Lawler of Aurora, CO, and Danny Lawler of Greencastle, IN; his daughter Elizabeth and husband Richard Brookhart of Bethany; his son Will and wife Kathryn Parrott Lawler of Norman; and his grandsons, Andrew 'A.J.' Brookhart, James Lawler, and Ryan Lawler. Steve suggested that his memory might be honored by planting a tree. Donations may also be made to Integris Hospice House, 13920 Quailbrook Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Arrangements are under the direction of Floral Haven in Broken Arrow. Viewing will be on Thursday from 2-9 pm with the family greeting friends from 6-9 pm. Services will be held on Friday at 12:30 pm in the Floral Haven chapel. Online condolences may be shared at www.floralhaven.com
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