Carl Kenneth Laws

Carl Kenneth Laws, 90, of Washington, died Wednesday, October 14, 2009, in Donnell House, following a brief illness. He was born April 8, 1919, a son of John Robert and Margaret J. Bell Laws. Mr. Laws was a machinist for Hazel-Atlas for 25 years then worked for RCA in Arden for several years, retiring in 1982. After retirement, he enjoyed spending winters in Florida. Mr. Laws was a member of Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175 for 30 years and a Mason for 40 years. He was passionate about sports, especially golf, football and baseball. In 1947, he coached a team in the Washington Men’s Football League and in the 1950’s-60’s, he coached Little and Pony League Baseball. Mr. Laws was World War II veteran of the United States Army, having served from January 27, 1942, until his honorable discharge as a sergeant on December 13, 1945. During his enlistment, he served with Battery A, 533rd Rocket Field Artillery Battalion and played football for Army Special Services. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal and was classified as Expert-pistol and Sharpshooter – carbine. On August 9, 1944, he married Mary Margaret Johnson, who died April 22, 2008. Surviving are a son, Carl R. (Janet) Laws of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a daughter, Suzanne C. (James) Gibson of Washington; one brother, Donald (Alene) Laws of Washington; five grandchildren, Stephen, Kenneth, and Jason Laws, and Joseph and Thomas Gibson; and five great-grandchildren. Deceased are seven brothers, Robert, Isaac, Joseph, Thomas, Norman, Charles, and Harold Laws; and two sisters, Elsie McCracken and Mary Brice. Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, October 19th, in Church of the Covenant, with Rev. Dr. Stuart D. Broberg officiating. Mr. Laws’ final resting place will be in Washington Cemetery.