Gone But Not Forgotten
Anthresia McWashington

Family, friends, fellow vets remember two-time war veteran John Laws
 

World War II and Korean War Navy Veteran John Laws was honored posthumously with a flag dedication Wednesday.

Family, friends, and fellow veterans gathered at Storage 105 in west Conroe to pay their respects to Laws, a memorable fixture at the businesses' monthly breakfasts and weekly meetings.

"We will miss John terribly. Luckily, we get to honor him today," Jack McClanahan, owner of Storage 105 and host of the weekly veterans' meetings and breakfasts held on the first Wednesday of each month, said to the crowd following the raising of the new U.S. flag.

McClanahan said the business dedicates a new flag to local veteran every six months.

Laws wife Pat said that when she learned the dedication preceding Memorial Day would be for her late husband, she was reminded of when everyone came together for his burial in December 2013.

"I was very pleased that Jack was doing this for John," Pat said. "It's kind of a bittersweet thing. It's a great honor and Jack is such a good person and he's done so much for these veterans."

Staff Photo by Jason Fochtman
Pat Laws visit with her grandson, Josh Haynie, at 106 Storage in Conroe Wednesday

Matthew Haynie, one of Laws' grandsons, said his grandfather reminded him a lot of John Wayne.

"He was always strong like steel. He never showed weakness," Haynie said. "I'd say he had a heart of gold. ... He wasn't too outspoken, but his presence was always known."

Laws entered the Navy when he was just 15 years old. Before his death he said that his most memorable war experience was when his ship was attacked by Japanese Kamikaze planes.

After the dedication, veterans and their families made their way to the back of the property, where they enjoyed a catered breakfast.

Conroe Courier

May 21, 2015

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Page Modified: 18 October 2016