Lawrence A. Hauler, 86, of New Hope, passed away on November 15, 2016

Born in Newtown, Pennsylvania, he was a lifelong resident of Bucks County.

An avid athlete, Larry played baseball and was an all-county halfback on the football field in high school.

Upon graduating from Council Rock High School in 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea and Japan during the Korean War. During his three years of service, he received three bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Military Medal.

After the war, he returned to school, graduating from Lock Haven College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Later, he earned his Master of Arts in Education.

Larry had a 35-year career as an elementary school teacher in the same district in which he went to school as a youth, teaching fifth grade and then third grade at Richboro Elementary, Churchville Elementary, Rolling Hills Elementary, and Wrightstown Elementary Schools.

His love of children and teaching made him a well-known favorite for decades.

His career as a schoolteacher allowed Larry summers off, which, for him, meant having a successful house painting business, which he maintained for many years.

Known for his outgoing personality and take-charge attitude, Larry was a natural born leader and typically was the first to raise his hand to organize any project, or group of friends or colleagues.

It was a surprise to no one that upon retiring from teaching, Larry devoted his life to volunteerism.

From 1996 to 2016 he was dedicated to helping give the gift of sight via Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH)/PA, and made trips to Trinidad, Tobago, Mexico, Cuba, and Guatemala to help provide eyeglasses to impoverished villages.

Larry was the first “Citizen of the Month” recipient in Northampton Township, served as President of Northampton Township Lions Club for three years, and was honored by the Lions with the Melvin Jones award for his loyal service.

He was also a three-time winner of the annual Van Essen award, the highest service award given to optometry volunteers.

Ever the educator, even after “retirement” Larry continued to teach, as a chess tutor, a youth bowling coach, and as a math instructor at Council Rock SAGE (Senior Adults for Greater Education).

For ten years he participated in Operation Stand Down, an annual weekend event that supports veterans who are in need of help, many of whom have lost their way and are homeless.

He was a long-time choir member at St. John’s United Methodist Church, and for more than 50 years was a member of Newtown Masonic Lodge #427.

Larry was also an award-winning bowler, bocce player, dart enthusiast, and football fanatic.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth Magee Hauler, and his children: Jack Hauler (Meg) of Malvern, Glenn Hauler (Michael Lauff) of Philadelphia, and Valerie Hauler Haenn (Thomas) of Jamison; two grandchildren: Katherine Hauler of New York City and Lauren Haenn of Jamison; a sister, Gertrude Delano of Levittown; and a brother, Charles Hauler, of Spring Hill, Florida. He is preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Hauler.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Larry’s family from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.), Richboro, 18954 and to his memorial service at 10:30am on Monday, November 21, 2016 at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 820 Almshouse Road, Warminster, PA 18974. At a later date, a private interment will occur at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

The family requests that donations be made to VOSH/PA, c/o Paul D. Halpern O.D, 544 Haws Avenue, Norristown, PA 19401, or to any organization of the donor’s choice.