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BORN
1923
DIED
2019
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Maury Laws Obituary
Appleton - Maury Laws, 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 28, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina on December 6, 1923. By the age of 16, he had taught himself to play the guitar and was performing professionally with local orchestras.
He served as an infantryman in World War II with Patton's Army and, after the war, Maury settled in New York to pursue a career in music. He traveled the United States as a guitar player and singer with various vocal groups and orchestras. He eventually became an arranger, composer and conductor for memorable movies and television specials. In 1985, he moved to Appleton with his family, where he contributed to the music and culture of the Fox Cities. Maury was very proud of being inducted in the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters as a Fellow in 2011.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, daughter Wendy, Phoenix; son Christopher, Cape Cod; son John (Claire), Chicago; sisters Anne Hall and Patricia (Richard) Manno; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rainey and Lucy Laws, sister Norma Iseley, brothers-in-law E.T. Iseley and Jacky Hall, and his father- and mother-in-law Guy and Marion Krumm.
A private service will be held, and a celebration of Maury's life and music will be planned for a future date. In concert with Maury's wishes, and in lieu of flowers, please direct all memorial contributions to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
For more information or to share a memory of Maury, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maury Laws
Sponsored by Wichmann Funeral Home - Downtown Appleton.
Erik Fiedler
December 9, 2021
Maury Laws is a genius. His music is special to me, and millions of others. I'm so glad his works are carefully preserved for us to listen to indefinitely.
Jonathan Selimovic
February 11, 2020
I never knew Maury Laws personally, though his musical work is certainly well-known to me.
My sincere condolences of Maury's passing.
The legacy he leaves behind with his musical work in several TV and Film works (especially for Rankin/Bass' "Festival of Family Classics", which is a childhood favourite of mine) will never be forgotten.
Mr. Laws has made the childhoods of millions with his musical work.
My thoughts and prayers go to his surviving family and relatives who will keep his legacy alive for generations to come.
Todd Anderson
June 23, 2019
I dont the Laws family. But I know the body of alot of Mr. Laws work I grew up with. Amazing music. You were blessed with a long and happy and fruitful life that will always be around forever . Thank you ! For centuries we will be able to enjoy it . God Bless to the family and friends on this talented man....
April 6, 2019
Karen - My thoughts and my prayers (such as they are) are with you and your family.
Steve Polansky
If there's anything I can do . . .
Matthew Michelic
April 6, 2019
It was a delight and privilege to be around Maury and to get to know him and his beloved family. Sending heartfelt condolences to Karen and to all of the family now grieving. Maury as I knew him was a very fine musician, gently humorous, and humble. His contributions as an composer and supporter of the arts will be greatly missed in our community and beyond. Thank you Maury!
Kathleen Kettenhoven
April 1, 2019
I don't know you personally, but I know your work. Thank you for your contribution to the wonderful holiday classics that have meant so much to my family. Families for generations will enjoy your work.
Jane Driessen
March 31, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear about the death of the Laws Family patriarch.
Karen, I find my mind flooded with memories of of so many visits with you and Maury, especially for those amazing days you opened your NYC home to Andi and me way back in, I think, 1977!
And the times I'd stop in to see you on College Ave, etc.
I'm holding you (and your family) close in my heart.
Maury will be missed forever.
Jeff Missinne
March 31, 2019
My sympathies to the Maury Laws family. His music will always be part of the soundtrack of our lives.
Juli and Robert Buehler-Dennis
March 31, 2019
Thank you Karen and John for the musical gifts of your husband and father. We will always have Maury's songs in our hearts, as we smile and tap our feet to his memory.
Tony Pizza
March 31, 2019
Farewell Mr. Laws. Children yet unborn will appreciate your gift, and see your name at the end of the credits.
Sandy Schaubroeck
March 31, 2019
Maury assisted with our choir at Kaukauna back in the 80s. I also saw him and his wife at Copps in Appleton when I worked there. He truly was an awesome gentleman. Kind, personable and really down home despite his "famous" background. He is an inspiration to be remembered.
Tonya Dedering
March 31, 2019
My condolences to the Laws family on Maury's passing. Karen - I am thinking of you and am very sorry for your loss.
~Tonya Dedering
Rolston Family
March 31, 2019
Maury, thank you for the wonderful childhood memeories. Thoughts and prayers for Mary's family.
March 31, 2019
Thank you for your service to our country. May you rest in peace.
Phillip Szczur
March 30, 2019
Prayers with all the family
Thank You Maury for sharing your talent with us all
We were blessed to have you in our lives
Your music will forever be timeless and classic
You will be missed but not forgotten
Rest easy Maury ❤
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