Obituaries

Joseph Edward Lawless passed away peacefully on January 17th at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He passed away on a Friday during happy hour with a smile on his face.

Joe grew up in Upper Arlington. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from The Ohio State University, where he met his wife of 53 years, Christina Lee Lawless (McClain). He was a proud veteran who served with the US Air Force in Japan and played on their football team, prior to beginning his business career.

He started at World Savings and Loan in Denver, Colorado followed by many years traveling the world with Hayes Travel Agency in Perrysburg. Thereafter, he started his own business, Corporate Housing Systems, that he operated until he ‘retired’, and his son continues to manage.

Joe and Chris had 4 children and dedicated their lives to their family and the community around them. Joe’s volunteering extended from children’s sports leagues such as Big Gold Football and Junior Jackets Basketball to a variety of local boards including Perrysburg Schools Foundation, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Toledo Country Club, Fort Meigs Cemetery and the National Trade Association. Joe served as an elected official on Perrysburg City Council for 16 years, 8 of which he served as President with an emphasis on Parks and Recreation.

Joe’s passion for travel and sports led him to play some of the greatest golf courses around the globe. However, his favorite has always been Toledo Country Club, where he was a faithful member for nearly 50 years, spending much of that time in the Men’s Locker Room. He was a devoted fan and season ticket holder of Ohio State football, rarely missing a bowl game and an opportunity to create lifelong memories with his friends and children.

Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather (fondly known as “The Wizard”), uncle, brother and friend to many. His authenticity, sense of humor, confidence, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, love and joy were appreciated by those he knew well and many he met in passing. Whether playing golf, enjoying a game, cruising on his boat or Harley, or enjoying a drink, Joe was happiest making personal connections. Throughout his life he touched so many and to quote a good friend of Joe’s “there will never be another Joe Lawless”. He lived by the mantra “I’m not here for a long time, just a good time."

Joe is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Ann and Edward Lawless and his sister Marie Lawless. He leaves behind his wife Christina Lawless, his children J.P. Lawless (Kori), Mac Lawless (Arien), Reed Lawless, and Janet Lawless (Patrick Carroll), his 8 grandchildren Jack, Will, Vivian, Elsie, Mac, Caroline, Teddy and Hayes, and sisters Beth Lawless and Patty Berns, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thank you to the physicians and caregivers who comforted Joe the past few years, including the teams at Kingston Assisted Living of Perrysburg and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Joe celebrated life and was present for all those around him. Contributions in his memory can be made to Perrysburg Schools Foundation or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Visitation hours will be held Friday, January 24th from 4-7pm at the Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home in Perrysburg and the family will be hosting a celebration Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm at Toledo Country Club to come together and share stories to remember Joe’s exceptional life as everyone that knew him has a "Joe Lawless" story.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.