Jud and Frank Lawler Memorial Page

On Wednesday, October 1 3, 1999, the Marching 110 was beginning to prepare for Homecoming and ready for their first free weekend of the season. That night, in a tragic turn of events, two of the Marching 110's most loved alumni passed away in a automobile accident west of Columbus.

Jud and Frank Lawler, two brothers who between them marched 13 years in the 110, passed away that night leaving us all saddened by the loss. But Jud and Frank would not want us to be sad and cry over all of this; they would want their friends and family to find the positives and just enjoy life the way they did.

The following is a memorial page dedicated to Jud and Frank.

I would like to thank you for creating the memorial page in honor of Jud and Frank and thank everyone who wrote their tribute. We enjoyed reading everyone's input. Hundreds have taken the time to help us during the past three months. We appreciate every prayer, every thought, every tear; every card, every flower, every gift; every call, every visit, every hug. You have helped and blessed us greatly. God tells us in His Word that when you've done it unto the least of His children, you have done it unto Him.

Dolly and Ken Lawler

As I read all of the memories of the friends of Jud and Frank. It doesn't surprise me of how much they were loved and are missed. I am writing this to share some of my memories I have of the boys. Jud and Frank were not only my cousins but they were my friends too. I remember them as we were small as being the younger kids but as we all got older I grew to know them for who they were. Fun lovin g, enjoying life to its fullest and always enjoying each other.

I can't stop from hearing Jud playing his guitar and singing the Black Crows song, "She talks to angels," now I don't know if that is the name of the song but if anyone has heard Jud sing it, you will know what song I am talking about. Never have I seen anyone like Jud put more of his soul into a song while singing it.

Franko is a lot harder for me to talk about because with his memory, I have to live everyday looking at his eyes l ooking at me. Now let me explain this: my youngest son is the walking, talking, spitting image of Frank, and so it saddens me but also fills me with happiness to know that with just a glance I see Frank every now and then.

I have heard a lot of stories of the 110 and have seen lots of video (watching Jud walk over a table that was in the way, as water coolers fly about) and seeing how much they loved being involved with Ohio U and the 110 I sure miss my cousins and have shed many tears for them, I do n't know how to explain it but I know I have lost a part of me, with them gone.

I know that they would not want all these tears shed for them, but would have loved knowing how much they have touched so many. So young but yet so loved.

Jud, Frank you both will always be missed.

Your Cousin Jana

Jud and Frank were very dear to me. They were never too busy to give Aunt Joyce a hug or talk to me on the phone. I was so proud of these 2 beautiful people. They were so warm and loving t o all of us. I miss them and will always miss them. This earth will never be the same without them. My heart aches for them and I look forward to the day I see them again in Heaven. "Bye" for now guys and your Aunt Joyce sends her love.

Joyce Swofford
Sterling, Kansas

I'll never forget the day that I first came to OU and saw Jud standing outside the dorm. Boy, was I scared! Then, when I had made the block and we were practicing for our first show, I remember getting my first "foot u p the a**" from Jud after missing a step!

What's so funny is that those early memories are not what I remember about Jud and Frank. What I remember is the smiling faces, the love of life, the passion for the Marching 110, and how much they were a driving force behind our group!

When people talk about "The Most Exciting Band in the Land", it is because of people like them!

I want those two to know that they are never far from our thoughts and our minds! It was a privilege to know you and to march with you!

Jay Meno, a.k.a. Waldo
1992-1995

When I think about Frank and Jud, the first thing that always comes to mind is Jud at Saturday morning practice, wearing those old, torn-up Daisy Dukes that he always wore, blowing cigarette smoke out the bell of his trumpet. The next is of everybody contributing bail money for Frank one Homecoming, after an incident involving some bushes.

Jud and Frank had the country bumpkin act down to a tee, but anyone who knew them for more than five minutes knew they were anything but. They had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged, and would do anything for anyone in the band. They were, in a sense, the heart and soul of the 110 during their years there, and a band party never really got started until Frank and Jud showed up.

Future members of the 110 can (and should) look to Frank and Jud as examples of the best things about the band, and what it means to be a part of it. I'm glad to have known them.

What day is it, Jud?

Chris Bartone '98

Frank and Jud were the type of people who made everyone around them feel like their best friend in the world. (And believe me, everyone I knew wanted to be their friend because they were cool).

These two guys taught me a lot on the importance of having a good character. They dressed and talked like a couple of hicks, they didn't drive fancy cars, and they didn't have prestigious car eers. These are all things that everybody thinks you need to have a successful life.

Well, Frank and Jud didn't have any of these things and yet they were probably the two happiest people I've ever known. I think they found the secret of happiness before they left us and in leaving they made me realize it too.... Life isn't about getting THINGS, its about having good relationships, treating people right, and appreciating experiences, both good and bad. They lived everyday to the fullest and touched m any people in a way that not many people can.

I hope they realized the great effect they had on me, the band, and everyone who ever knew them.

Ryan Smith, 110, 1995-1999

When I think of Jud and Frank the word "Darlin" comes to my mind as I am sure it does for every woman that came in contact with them. It was just a Lawler trademark I guess, but even though they had many "Darlins" in their lives, they had a way of making each of those "Darlins" feel special and unique. Just as special and unique as they were.

When my older brother Todd joined the 110 the fall of 91' my whole family was immediately introduced to Jud and a couple years after that, Frank. Their enthusiasm and energy stood out among the whole band without a doubt. Or was it their pelvic thrusts while wearing "Daisy Dukes" that stood out the most?

Whatever the case may be they were two brothers that lived and loved every minute of the Marching 110 before, during and afte r their membership. They showed top dedication and will always be legends of the Marching Band at Ohio University. There wasn't a party or a trip uptown to the bars without seeing the two of them. Not only were they there on every occasion, they made those occasions memorable for many people.

Today, I look back with a smile and am so thankful for those memories. Jud and Frank are two prime examples of brothers who thought the world of not only each other and their parents and family, but everyone the y came in contact with. They lived each day to the fullest and never turned back with regret. They are missed and loved.

Kasy Valentine

I can't really think of a favorite memory of Jud and Frank. I guess because every memory is just as good as the other. Whether it was singing Karaoke at Night Court, sharing a smoke after peeling off the ol' band uniform after a performance on the road or finding them sleeping on my couch at S. Shannon on a Sunday Morning, every moment around them brought a comfort that only a true friend can offer.

I used to think that Jud and Frank epitomized so many of the traits that the 110 is famous for. But it wasn't until a few days after their passing when I realized how wrong I was. I saw a couple shopping who were both wearing Circleville Pumpkin show T-shirts and I had to comment on how I had marched there several time for the show, both with my high school band and once with the Marching 110. As soon as I mention the 110, their eyes lit up. They carried on about how they had never seen a marching band with such enthusiasm, dedication and spirit. And that's when it hit me. As they went on describing the 110, it sounded more like a description of Jud and Frank.

I realized that part of the reason they always fit in the 110 so well was because they went through their everyday lives with the same spirit that makes the 110 something special. It is the 110 that epitomizes their spirits. Spirits that will remain eternal in the hearts of all those fortunate eno ugh to have their own favorite memories of Jud and Frank.

Chrissy Weber

Well, just like Chrissy, there were many mornings that I woke up with Jud and Frank in various rooms at S. Shannon.. I too don't think I have just one favorite memory of the boys because every memory is special.

I remember calling their house when I was a freshman and leaving a message to call Kelly, it took Frank about 20 minutes to figure out that Kelly was me (Beemer) then he called me back to tell me "we gave you a nickname, use it" before he hung up the phone.

Jud would call the house and ask for Kelly Walker just to prove that he did know who I was. Both of them were always "hurt" in one way or another if they thought I would rub their backs and, according to Frank, nobody could prepare frozen burritos like Jud. And of course I will never forget the night that Frank and Opie broke into my house to visit...at 3 am! I don't think they realized exactly how much they played into so many lives but I do know that they have played a huge part in my life.

Kelly "Beemer" Walker, 110, 1996-2000

Even though I wasn't a 110 member, I want to my share my memories of band parties with Jud. When I lived with Jud our junior year in Lakeview Apts, Jud and I would sit on our balcony for hours and hours talking and sipping on brews. Those hours are some of my favorite memories of OU, and of Jud. He and Frank were two of the greatest guys on the planet.

Rest in Peace, guys . Lots of people down here miss you a helluva lot.

Kit Newell
OU '95

You well know that my nickname is Snagglepuss because I wore a t-shirt bearing the pink Hanna Barbara cat to practice one day. Well, every one of those guys, Ken, Paul, Jud, Frank, Troy, Opie, they all knew me as Snaggle.

One day, Jud walked up to me and said "Snaggle I feel really bad" I asked him why and he said "Because I don't know your real name." So I told him and he said &q uot;Thanks Darlin', I'm going to call you Tina from now on."

Of course he never remembered what my real name was, but it didn't matter. It still makes me smile that he cared enough to even ask what my real name was in the first place.

As for Frank, I think the most outstanding memory of him also came from my freshman year. We were at band banquet and it was the last dance (or close to the last dance, I really can't remember) of the night. It was a slow song and everyone had paired off into two's. I was standing on the "sideline" . . . I was shy, basically not brave enough to ask anyone to dance with me. Frank would have none of it though. He spotted me standing alone and with one swoop had his arm around my waist we were dancing. He never said anything just slowly swayed to the music. I love that memory, every time I saw Frank I remembered it.

Tina Balazs, 110, 1996-1999

My freshman year I marched next to Frank. Throughout the season, I let my hair grow out, y et it never touched my collar. When we were waiting to perform at OU Southern, I noticed Frank was giving me a strange look. I said, "What?" He replied, "If your hair touches somebody else's collar, it's time to get it cut!"

That's one of my favorite memories of Frank.

Brandon Harper, 110, 1997-2000

No matter what kind of time I was having at a party (good or bad), whenever the Lawlers showed up, they made me feel good about being in the band. Frank was always ready with a hug and a "Hey, darling," and Jud never could get my name straight. We had a little game where he would try to guess me name without any hints and one time he even came up with "Tammy".

I remember the last time I saw them, at 111 Mill of course, he walked in and said my name, not even realizing that he finally, after almost three years got it right without me even asking him. I practically ran to give him a hug and told what he had just done then he realized and got this b ig child-like grin on his face.

Tarra Scott, 110, 1997-200

If you would like to add anything to this page, please send an e-mail to: katiekleinman@hotmail.com