William J. Lawver

William J. Lawver, 90, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from Country Club Retirement Center in Dover, Ohio. He was the last surviving of eleven children of the late Wesley Edgar and Mary Jane (Thomas) Lawver, having been preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred, Bernice, Isabell, Bessie, and Mary Jane; and his brothers, Wesley, Howard, Don, Ken, and Glen Lawver.

Born on August 24, 1935, on Route #1 in New Philadelphia, Ohio, Bill graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1954. He married Faye (Locker) Lawver on November 4, 1956.

Bill was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia, Ohio. His passions included fishing, cheering on Cleveland's sports teams and the Buckeyes, solving puzzles, and woodworking. Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured every moment spent with his family.

In his younger years, Bill while working and raising a family also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Somerdale Fire Department. His career path took him from Republic Steel in Canton, Ohio, to General Electric in Dover, Ohio, before he found his true calling as a self-employed carpenter—work he continued until his retirement.

Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Faye; his children, Karen (Joe) Rogers and Bill (Teresa) Lawver; grandchildren Ben Lawver, Katelyn Martinelli, Emily Ramela, and John Ruefly; great-grandchildren Kambrion Ruefly, Angelita Schonbrun, and Alessandra Ramela; along with many nieces and nephews. Known for his kind heart and always a smiling face, he enjoyed fellowship with others, sharing stories, and jokes. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation is planned prior to his interment in East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia. His family plans to have a memorial service on a future date, and this website will be updated with details as soon as they are confirmed. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Ohio’s Hospice Foundation, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH 44663 and First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia, 878 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH 44663.