Tommy Joe Laws

Tommy “Tom” Joe Laws, 73, of Evansville, IN, passed away April 10, 2023 at Linda E. White Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family. Tommy was born January 14, 1950 to the late Burford and Thelma Laws. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1968-1972 on the USS Havergard and the USS Joseph Strauss. Tom was a devoted husband, father of his two daughters, brother, and grandfather whose greatest pleasure was spending time with those he loved. Tom and Doris loved to travel and enjoyed life. He also traveled many miles on his motorcycle with his friends. Tom was a dedicated History teacher for 35 years at MSD of Mt. Vernon, Indiana. He was an avid sports fan. During his teaching career, he coached football and baseball. He also loved coaching his daughter, Kendyll, on her soccer and softball teams. Tom is survived by his wife of 20 years, Doris; his daughter, Kendyll Laws and grandson, Finn of Glasglow, Kentucky; grandsons Austin Ellis and Zach Ellis of Illinois; and daughters Sarah Sanders (Ryan Shanahan and two children, Sandy and Frankie) and Chelsea Sanders (Sarah Perfetti) of Bloomington, Indiana. He is also survived by his sisters Theresa Frost of Taylorsville, Illinois and Treva (Don) Cruz of Benton, Illinois; mother-in-law, Gerry McFadin, and brother-in-law, Mac McFadin of Mt. Vernon, Indiana; and sister-in-law, Kathy Tobias, of Crawfordsville, Indiana. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, LaVern, and his daughter, Rhiannon Laws. A Celebration of Life will be held at Rapp-Owen Granary located at 413 Granary Street, New Harmony, Indiana from 1:00-3:00 PM on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Tom was recently diagnosed with aggressive mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during his deployment. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Gateway Deaconess Hospital and Linda E. White Hospice House for their excellent and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family would ask that you make a donation in his honor to Disabled Veterans (https://www.dav.org/) Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Tommy Joe Laws

January 14, 1950 - April 10, 2023