Edward Alfred Laws

Edward “Eddie” Alfred Laws, 97, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on June 8, 2023.

Eddie was born on April 28, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to Albert Laws and Edith (Brown) Laws. As a young boy he lived in both Oklahoma and Missouri. After high school he enlisted in the Navy. Then he attended the University of Oklahoma pursuing an Art-Drafting degree before returning to the Kansas City area to assist his mother with the care of his sisters.

Eddie was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Rita (Townsend) Laws. Previously he was married to Opal Ballew for 21 years and was blessed with two children. He was then blessed again when he married Rita and welcomed her children as his own. 

Eddie worked at Missouri Portland Cement (Lafarge) as a foreman for over 30 years. Though he retired at 62 that didn’t stop him from working on items around the house, landscaping his yard, assisting others with their homes, cars, or any help they needed. Family was very important to Eddie as he was also available to attend his children’s, grandchildren's, great grandchildren’s events: birthdays, school, sports, graduations, weddings, and hosting various holidays.

Throughout his years, he enjoyed many activities such as ballroom/square dancing, and various social events with Rita. Eddie was an excellent athlete at any sport he attempted: swimming, gymnastics, bowling, golfing, playing pool with family and his friends at McCrite Plaza, a skilled card player, and never missed viewing the Chiefs, Royals, and golf tournaments.

Eddie especially enjoyed years with Rita, family, and friends at their Lake of the Ozarks residence. They spent winters for 20 plus years visiting family and friends in San Diego at the Beach Cottages. 

Eddie was always very social in any setting and made friends easily, and never met a stranger. Anyone who crossed his path would state just how very “sweet” he was.

He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his son, Garry (Alyson) Laws; daughter, Jan Ross; stepchildren, Dave (Marie) Townsend, John (Donna) Townsend, Donna (John) Pottier; 10 grandchildren; Tanya, Erica, Ben, Brent, Kyle, Patrick, Tyler, Craig, Ryan, Lauren, 14 great grandchildren; sister, Pat Henderson; and many extended family and friends.

He is also preceded in death by his parents(Albert Laws and Edith Arneson); two sisters (Marie Watts and Francis Ballew), stepson (Carl Townsend), and granddaughter (Christie Townsend-Lewis).

 A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery on Monday, June 19th, with visitation beginning at 1pm, funeral service at 2pm, and burial following.

The family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to NorthCare Hospice House: 2800 Clay Edwards Dr, 2^nd floor, North Kansas City, MO 64116