Loma Jean (Wood) Lawler, 83, passed away peacefully to her heavenly home on Feb, 2, 2021. She was born in Hartville to Bertha Ann (Crider) and Robert Wood, Jr. on March 10, 1937. Loma Jean graduated from Hartville High School in Hartville. She went on to complete cosmetology school, and then later attended Drury College after her children were older to round out her desire to learn. Loma Jean was united in marriage to Richard Lewis Lawler on May 31, 1959. To this union, three children were born, Robert Clarence “RC” Lawler, Roger Lawler and LaVay Lawler Whiteley. Loma Jean accepted her Lord and Savior while growing up in the Church of Christ, and later rededicated her life and joined her husband in pursuing God’s service in the Baptist church. Following her graduation from Hartville High School, she graduated from Cosmetology School in Lebanon, and then went on to work in Beauty Salons in Marshfield and at Heer’s on the Square in Springfield. Following her and Lewis’ marriage, she was a dedicated wife and mother supporting him and their growing family. They had great adventures and experiences living in Baltimore and Chicago as she proudly supported Lewis’ time in the U.S Army. When they returned to Springfield, Loma Jean held various roles working at Lily Tulip Cup, Dayco Rubber, and her last several years working as Cafeteria Manager in the Springfield Public Schools at various locations, and then Strafford Public Schools. She treasured the time working in the schools as it allowed her the time to be home when the children were at home and still supporting the family’s needs. All along the way and into retirement, Loma Jean and Lewis greatly enjoyed contributing in various roles and ways in supporting their church. They set a great example of serving with a humble heart. Loma Jean enjoyed traveling so very much and was always ready for a new adventure. Her and Lewis set out on many great adventures in their retirement and saw all 50 states, and various other parts of the world by car train, bus and plane. She leaves many great memories with her children and grandchildren of travels and laughs throughout the years. Loma Jean took great pride in decorating their home for the holidays for the enjoyment of her family, with new details added every year and holiday. She loved to hear about the adventures of her grandchildren and attended every event that she could. Loma Jean also loved the challenge of shopping for bargains and never saw a catalog or outlet mall not worthy of exploring. When not traveling, or shopping or traveling to shop, Loma Jean invested countless hours in sewing, crocheting to make things that are among the treasures her family and many friends will hold as valued treasures for years to come. Following her husband’s passing, the memories faded from her mind but not her family’s. Loma Jean never lost her spunk, drive and desire to laugh. She was not afraid to laugh at herself and through this she helped her children understand the value of not taking ourselves too seriously. She had her trials in life but she would be the first to tell you she had a most blessed life. Loma Jean will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. She is survived by her children, RC Lawler and his wife, Cathy; Roger Lawler and his wife, Lisa; and LaVay Whiteley and her husband, Daron; grandchildren, Zach (Ashley) Lawler; Whitney (Ben) Alvarez; Evan (Maria) Lawler; Caleb (Jessica) Lawler; Tanya Chapman (her gift from God from Russia); Hunter Whiteley and his fiancé, Molly; and Anna Grace Whiteley; great-grandchildren, Oaklen Lawler, Brecken Alvarez, Azure Alvarez, Evelyn Lawler, Max Lawler and Sawyer Lawler; brother and sister-in-law, Bobby Dean and Ruth Wood; many loved and cherished nieces and nephews; loved in-laws she looked at as sisters and brothers as well, Tommy Lawler, Ginny Dake, Wayne Lawler and Linda Bullard; countless other family, and church friends, VBS coworkers and Church Camp friends along with many friends made along the way in her life’s journey. Also, as part of her extended family for the last year and a half, the family wishes to recognize the love and unwavering support of her friends, caregivers and cheer leaders at Hope Dale Cottages in Ozark. They all made Loma Jean’s days as happy and as comfortable as anyone could hope or wish for. We are forever grateful for this final rest stop in Loma Jean’s journey. In addition to her husband, Loma Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and Robert Wood, Jr.; and a brother, Herbert Wood. Visitation was held on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, 10-11 a.m. at National Heights Baptist Church, Springfield. Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. A graveside service was held later in the afternoon at 2 p.m. at Manes Cemetery, Manes, where Loma Jean will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Lewis. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Loma Jean’s memory are suggested to National Heights Baptist Church, Manes Cemetery or charity of choice. Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. – DeGraffenreid-Wood-Crematory, Springfield.
