William "Bill" B. Lawes

William “Bill” B. Lawes, 58 of Gaylord, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2015 after a courageous battle of a longtime illness.

Born in Gaylord on May 29, 1957, Bill was the son of Robert and Irene (Balteau) Lawes.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his four sons, Nathan (Kristan) Lawes and children, Neela, Emery, GraceLynn and Ryker of Lewiston; Aaron (Mandi) Lawes and son, Brantley of Gaylord; Brandon (Somer) Lawes and children, Ella, Danica and Payton of Gaylord; Tyler (Sarah) Lawes and children, Alaina and Kinsee of Johannesburg; his loving mother, Irene Lawes of Gaylord; several brothers and sisters, Jim Lawes of Rapid City, Janie Stoner of Rochester Hills, Mike Lawes of Lansing, Sue Bur of Cheboygan, Brenda Snapp, John, Tim and Steve Lawes all of Gaylord.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lawes.

In 1975, Bill graduated from Rogers City High School. Later he attended Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City where he obtained his associate degree in Hospitality and Food Management. For many years Bill was a bus driver for Gaylord Community Schools. He truly loved getting to know the children. He also worked for FedEx for several years. He loved MSU Football and Basketball along with the Indianapolis Colts. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, poker and photography. One of his favorite places to visit was Lake Huron. Most of all, his pride and joy was his grandchildren.

Funeral services celebrating Bill’s life will take place at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Pastor Steve Hawkins officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family to go toward a trust for his grandchildren through the funeral home, P.O. Box 249 Gaylord, MI 49734. Please share your memories or personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com