Thomas Patrick Lawler, 57, passed away June 28.

He was born April 1, 1957, to Theresa and Thomas Lawler. He grew up in Madison Heights with his five brothers: Mike, Brian, John, Tim (Chico) and Joe. After he graduated from high school, he attended the seminary and lived at the Benedictine Monastery in Oxford.

On Sept. 6, 1986, he married Ann Nowak, and they had three daughters: Ashley, Lauren and Catherine. He owned a business and directed various folk music ministries; soon his talents evolved into a position as a worship director, and later as a business manager. He worked in various Catholic parishes in the Detroit area and volunteered as a member of the archdiocesan Worship Commission.

Dan McAfee, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s worship director, called Lawler “a very good friend” who always “connected with people.”

“He was a musician, a liturgy director, educator and even edited the church bulletin,” McAfee said. “I used to joke that he was a DRE, not a director of religious education but a ‘Does Really Everything.’ He generously gave himself to the work of every parish that he worked for.”

Mr. Lawler had a passion for worship and liturgy and would put his time, effort, and patience into displaying the visual representations of his faith. He loved to orchestrate get-togethers with family and friends, being intentional with his relationships (no matter the distance), and he especially loved spending time with his family. Tom was a loving husband and a devoted father.

A funeral liturgy was July 8 at St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church, Clinton Township. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tom’s name to St. Paul’s Food Pantry, 41300 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038.