Carl Edwin Laws

Carl Edwin Laws, 79, passed from this life on April 7, 2023, after complications from triple bypass surgery in Hartford, Conn.

He was born on Oct. 25, 1943, in Detroit, Mich., one of five sons and eight daughters born to Tobin Henry and Helen Irene Laws.

He attended Pulaski Grade School and upon graduation from Mounds Township High School, joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War. 

Upon returning from Vietnam in 1965, he met his future wife, June, while they were both stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. June was a member of the Women’s Army Corps. 

They were married at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Pulaski on April 25, 1966. 

After leaving the Army, they settled in Connecticut, where they remained. Mr. Laws was employed by Pratt-Whitney Aircraft until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, June; and their four children, Susannah, Todd, Corey and Justin; their spouses and eight grandchildren, all of Connecticut. His Connecticut relatives also include the children and grandchildren of his brother Melvin.

He is also survived by sisters Marilyn (Alan) Kerr of Ullin, Linda (Doug) Jones of Benton, La., Darlene (Barry) Henard of Anna, Charlene (Chuck) Hoover of Dongola, Bonnie (Dan) Nutty of Vienna,  Patti Hodges of Paducah and brothers Johnny (Kathy) Laws of Bossier City, La., and Patrick (Kedron) Laws of Ullin. 

He also is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews in Southern Illinois and Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Billy and Melvin; sister Tobie Hutton and infant sister Rose Marie; maternal grandparents DeVere and Nellie Parmley; and paternal grandparents Catherine and Adolphus Laws.

He was a happy person with a contagious laugh and was fondly known by the nickname Chico. 

He and his brother Melvin spent much time hunting and fishing and enjoying the great outdoors with their families at “the Lodge.” 

He enjoyed watching all kinds of sports on television and especially the St. Louis Cardinals and UConn. He was a loving and caring husband, father, brother and friend.

This is a courtesy announcement from Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge.