Thomas W.L. Lauer Jr. ’55

Born Dec. 21, 1932, to Martha Ann and Thomas W. Lauer, Tom died Jan. 20, 2016, of long-term complications from a stroke.

Coming from Millbrook School to Princeton, Tom majored in history, joined Key and Seal, and was our only classmate to perform in a hillbilly band. He roomed at 3 Blair Tower with Slack, Lynn, Hochstein, Matt, J.B. Young, D.V. McConnell, and McCarty.

After marrying Judith Marshall, he worked as an account executive at Ketchum, McLeod and Grove, then became public-relations coordinator at Hope Natural Gas Co. Happiest when engaged in sports and other interests, Tom played hockey at Millbrook and Princeton and later in life enjoyed working on and racing his Porsche 360B roadster. Tom skied, kayaked, camped, and played expert guitar and dobro. Nicknamed “Leadbelly” in college, he was a founding member of the Over the Hill Gang. With Judith, Tom handled and co-bred a nationally regarded line of Salukis. In his late 60s, he became an avid road cyclist, riding centuries and participating in local riding groups.

Tom is survived by Judith; his sister, Ann Lauer Jesup; and daughter Jennifer Lauer Anderson.