Thomas "Tom" Vincent Lawlor, Jr.

Thomas "Tom" Vincent Lawlor, Jr., 89, of Plattsburg, Missouri and formerly Harlan, Iowa and Savannah, Missouri died August 27, 2026, at Kansas University Medical Center.

Tom was born October 20, 1939, in St. Joseph, Missouri to Marguerite Sullivan Lawlor and Thomas "Vince" Vincent Lawlor, Sr. He grew up on a family farm outside Plattsburg and enjoyed a happy childhood with a close family, including his extended family of grandmother, aunt, uncles, and cousins.

He spent his elementary school years at Victory School, a one room schoolhouse. He went on to graduate from Plattsburg High School in 1954. After high school, he attended Northwest Missouri State University and earned a degree in business education. He was a lifelong Bearcat. He earned a master's degree in school administration from Truman State University.

He married Shirley Ann Russell on December 26, 1959. They were happily married for fifty-six years and welcomed four children. She preceded him in death.

Tom was a teacher and principal but spent most of his work life in social services. He finished his career as Executive Director of West Central Community Action in Harlan, Iowa. He strongly believed that to live in a great society, one had to give back more to that society than they took from it. But he was a grateful person and felt that it was impossible to give back as much as he had been given.

Tom was a man of intellect, open mindedness, and insatiable curiosity. He maintained the highest personal integrity but was not judgmental. He was a friend to all and always had a laugh and smile to share.

Tom was proceeded in death by his wife, parents, brothers James "Jim" John Lawlor and William "Bill" Dennis Lawlor, sisters-in-law Mary Young Lawlor and Linda Risley Lawlor, brothers-in-law Michael Russell and Lewis Bozarth. He is survived by his children, Rachelle Marie (Stephen Wolverton) Lawlor, Alicia Ann Lawlor, Jill Elizabeth Lawlor and Thomas Vincent (Amy) Lawlor III, grandchildren John "Jack" Thomas Wolverton, Katie Ann Lawlor, Ryan Michael Lawlor and Brooke Ashley Lawlor and sister-in-law Helen Marie Bozarth.

Rosary at  6pm with visitation following until 8pm at Bailey Cox Family Funeral Home, Monday August 31. Funeral services will be held the following day, Tuesday September 1, 10:30 a.m., also at Bailey Cox Family Funeral Home. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Plattsburg. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Calvary Cemetery in Plattsburg. Online guestbook and obituary at www.baileycox.com