RUMFORD — Lee Stephen Lawler, 92, died July 4, surrounded by loved ones at the Rumford Community Home.
He was born in Cambridge, Mass., March 26, 1919, a son of Stephen Lawler and Ann Hines Lawler. Lee graduated from Stephens High School, Class of 1938, and attended Bowdoin College. He was in active duty from 1941 to 1945.
He was a Rifle Squad Leader and staff sergeant with Co. B 103rd Infantry Division and served with the 43rd Division. Lee was fighting back Japanese invaders in four Beach Head Campaigns in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Guada Canal, Northern Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Luzon, in the Philippines.
He was awarded eight medals plus Sharp Shooter and Bayonet Medals, the American Defense Medal, the Efficiency Honor Medal, the World War II Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Stars, the Bronze Star for Honorable Service, and a Purple Heart for a physical wound he received in combat during the entire war.
From late summer and into fall of 1940, many of the area’s young men enlisted in the 103rd Regiment of the Maine National Guard, with the knowledge that the 103rd would soon be “called up” for a one year tour of duty with the U.S. Army.
On Feb. 24, 1941, the 103rd was mobilized and inducted into the U.S. Army 43rd Infantry Division. To all of these men, our gratitude, each of them symbolized a story of courage, and devotion to duty.
Lee was married to Katherine Gautreau in the year 1947.
He was a member of Parish of the Holy Savior, the American Legion, and the VFW.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Katherine M. (Gautreau) Lawler of Mexico; children, Elayne Lawler and husband, Gary Gallant, of Andover, Lee Ann Lawler-Don and husband, Tim, of Mexico and Kathleen Tozier and husband, Gary, of Roxbury; a son-in-law, Randall Doiron of Rumford; a brother, Kenneth Lawler and wife, Caroline, of Roxbury; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents; and a daughter, Linda Doiron.
You are invited to share your, thoughts, condolences, and fond memories with the Lawler family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.
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- Lee Stephen Lawler
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