Dear son of the late James A. and Dolores C. Lawler (nee Krull). Dear brother of Kathleen White, Mary (Curtis) Skouby, Susan (John) Powderly and the late James (surviving Katherine) Lawler. Dear uncle of 12 and great uncle of 14. Our dear cousin and friend.
Dear friend of cockatiel, Buddy.
Joe attended St. John Vianney High School and then earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Journalism and Romance Languages from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1976.
In 1990, he founded his company, Lawler Business Services, and enjoyed success for more than 30 years until his retirement. He specialized in writing, editing, proofreading, and publishing; and primarily worked with training development, health & science publishing, and software. His clients included Edward Jones Investments, McGraw-Hill, AT&T, and many more.
Joe shared his love of the outdoors by creating a walking group, St. Louis Urban Walkers, in which fellow St. Louisans could get together for camaraderie, exercise, and enjoyment of all that our city has to offer. Another favorite activity was running – from cross country and track in high school to running the Macklind Mile, marathons, and a 50-mile race as an adult.
Joe was active in a bird club – as his cockatiel, Buddy, was a loving part of his life for over 23 years.
Joe loved to travel – having visited France, Ireland, Spain, Great Britain, and a variety of other locations over the years. Additionally, he enjoyed his involvement in Shakespeare and Dead Poets reading groups, playing the flute, and attending coin shows. He cherished all the great friendships he made in life.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) Friday, January 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or Humane Society of Missouri appreciated. Visitation Thursday, January 2, 2025, 4 – 8 p.m.
I am sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a good friend to me in high school. I enjoyed some great long runs with him and Rick Richardt. I remember one crazy time when a few of us were in Joe’s basement. We spontaneously started drumming on things in his basement – pipes, tables, anything around – really getting into the rhythm of it. Until his very stressed out Mom finally stuck her head through the door from the upstairs and asked us to PLEASE stop. We felt bad then, but we really had the rhythm. I have lots of good memories of the time I spent with Joe.
Dear Joe,
I am so sorry to hear of your passing. You created a wonderful community for “Urban Walkers”, and we will all remember you for the work you put into it. Your friendly and gentle personality was, in many ways, a soft cushion from life’s hard and sharp edges. May you be at complete rest now and free from the pain that accompanied your journey on this earth. You were a gift to many.
My condolences to Joe’s family, especially his sister, Mary. I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. Joe’s passing is a loss for many. I will always remember him. Take comfort in knowing that Joe was treasured by those whose lives he touched.
Janice Palesch
We really lost a “good one”. Joe, I think many would agree… we wish we had known so that maybe we could have been of help in some way. I have been part of Urban Walkers for several years and really appreciated your effort in planning and sharing knowledge about the area we were walking in monthly. One of my favorite walks was the Annual Halloween Walk in Kirkwood, and the Solar Eclipse Gathering this year! All of us met at the King Louis IX statue to watch and share our mutual appreciation for being outdoors and interest in science. It was such a fun group, and I will never forget that experience with incredible pictures captured and shared. Bless you Mary for all you have done! Rest in peace, Joe. Your wonderful smile will be missed.
Joe was once a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in University City. He was a usher and gave a presentation about walking the Santiago Pilgrimage trail in northern Spain.
Wonderful aspect of Joe. May he continue to lead hikes in Heaven.
Will miss your great patience and friendly helpful nature at our walking group,
I was a member of the walking group. He was so proud of Buddy! I met Buddy and was impressed with Joe’s kindness to his precious bird. My condolences to Joe’s family. He was such a wonderful person. We will all miss him.
Joe was the best hiking leader of any, waiting until everyone showed up before starting the hike. I was taken off of another hiking group for asking for a bathroom stop; Joe would never do they. In fact we bonded over having been kicked out of the same hiking group for asking too many questions. I loved planning hikes with him when I became assistant organizer. He knew U City inside out. When we stopped at a Marine recruiting office in U City, Joe ran a race with a recruiter and did 20 pushups on the Delmar sidewalk. He will be greatly missed. Blessings to Mary and all of his kin. He was a unique person and gentle spirit, kind to all.
Joe was such a fun companion at the Pace Series in Forest Park. After the runs, we would all sit around at the visitors’ center for a chat. Joe’s talent was chiming in with witty remarks and jokes. We talked sometimes of serious subjects too. I will miss him so much.
I met him early last year when he was planning another hike in the Loop. I so enjoyed hearing about Buddy (who was named after is dear Uncle Buddy) and his sisters. What a sweet guy. I am so sorry for your loss.
Joe was so friendly and welcoming to all who joined the St. Louis Urban Walking group, including myself! What an interesting and genuine person – I am glad I got to meet him and saddened that I did not get the chance to know him for a longer time.