White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Shellsburg – John A. Lawless, 71 years old, of rural Shellsburg, Iowa, formerly of Independence, Iowa, died on Monday, November 5, 2012, at his home.  He was born on December 5, 1940, in Independence, Iowa, the son of John Daniel and Alma Mildred (Andrews) Lawless.  He attended school in Independence.  On March 7, 1962, he and the former Patricia Ann Dewitt were married in Dodge Center, Minnesota.  Mr. Lawless was a Union construction worker.  He was a brick tender and also a heavy equipment operator.  He retired in 2002.  Mr. Lawless enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family.  A garden and livestock for personal use kept him busy.  He also liked to read his Bible and spend time with his grandchildren.

Mr. Lawless is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patty, 3 sons, Karey (Freeda) Lawless of Conway, Arkansas, John Lawless of Vinton, Iowa, and Jeff Lawless of Embarrass, Minnesota, 2 daughters, Cindy (Ron) Cress of Shellsburg, Iowa, and Jolene (Mike) Welton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and 4 grandchildren.  He is also survived by 1 brother, David (Mary Lou) Lawless of Independence, Iowa, and 3 sisters, Marilyn Pippenger of Hannibal, Missouri, Lenore (Neil) Snell of Waterloo, Iowa, and Pam (Tom) Schafer of Independence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, William Lawless, 1 sister, Delores Hoskins, and 1 grandson, John Dakota Lawless.

Friends may call for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 8, 2012, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.  Private burial will be in Brandon Cemetery in Brandon, Iowa.