Harold Eugene Laws

Harold Eugene Laws, 85, of Washington, died Wednesday, August 19, 2009, in Donnell House. He was born September 9, 1923, in Washington, a son of John Robert and Margaret J. Bell Laws. Mr. Laws was inducted into the United States Army on March 5, 1943. After basic training, he attended Jump School and Parachute School at Camp Polk, Louisiana. Eventually, he was sent to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations, where he was involved in battles in New Guinea, the South Philippines, and Luzon Island in Northern Philippines. Mr. Laws earned a glider badge and parachutists badge, as well as the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with three bronze service stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze service stars, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Arrowhead, American Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on January 12, 1946, with a rank of Technician, fifth grade. Mr. Laws first worked for Hazel Atlas #2 and then for Pennsylvania Transformer/Cooper in Canonsburg. He was a member of Washington Lodge 164 of the Free and Accepted Masons and Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. Mr. Laws enjoyed traveling, shopping, and caring for his dog, Baby. He was Christian. Surviving are two brothers, Donald (Alene) Laws and Carl Laws, both of Washington; his niece and caregiver, Carolyn Kelley, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and a life-long friend, Joseph Jubas of Washington. Deceased are six brothers, Charles, Robert, Thomas, Isaac, Norman and Joseph; and two sisters, Elsie McCracken and Mary Brice. Friends will be received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Aveue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 22nd, with his nephew, Rev. Allan McCracken, officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.