PHOENIX, AZ – A Springfield native, George died peacefully May 19, 2011, in the same manner he lived most of his nearly 85 years – with grace, humor and love. Fighting cancer in a hospital bed, George said, "I know they've put me in a place where I can go any time." He then drew laughter by lowering his head to mock death. Why not joke? George faced death before. He was among 317 USS Indianapolis crewmen who survived two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine. He spent five days in the Pacific Ocean, fending off sharks and dehydration. When rescuers arrived, someone asked George if he could stand. "Sure," he said, but then collapsed. Always independent, George lived alone into his 80s. But he missed his wife, Eve, who died Sept. 26, 2005. Much of their 51-year marriage was tumultuous – George once drove 200 miles on a moped after an argument – but he stayed constantly by Eve's side when she became ill. They married Nov. 6, 1954, and lived in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale during his 30 years at General Motors. George also worked 15 years as a volunteer fireman. He retired in 1983, moved to Manchester and delivered cheese as an excuse to travel.

George and Eve had two daughters, Carolyn Rodden and Peggy Fitzgerald; and three grandchildren, James Briggs, Kathryn Fitzgerald and Kevin Fitzgerald. He is survived by them, as well as his sister, Velma Croft, brother, John Laws; son-in-law, Gene Fitzgerald; and granddaughter-in-law, Amanda Briggs.

He's preceded in death by his parents, George Laws and Nancy Laws; and siblings, Josephine Horrighs, Della Mae Allen, Elizabeth Saner, Betty Cordell and Thomas Laws. George will be honored at 11 a.m. June 6 at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Please donate to the Indiana War Memorial Commission's USS Indianapolis Memorial fund.