ORLANDO, Fla. – Gary Lawton, 69, passed from this life into eternal life May 8, 2011, after a brief illness. He would have turned 70 May 18, 2011. A devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Gary touched the hearts and lives of so many through his exceptional generosity and kindness.
Born Gary Leigh Lawton to Clark and Lurlene Lawton in Southwest Harbor, Gary grew up fishing and hunting. Maine humor had an obvious effect on him. He graduated from Husson College, Bangor, in 1963, and became a teacher. His parents moved to Orlando, Fla., in June 1965, and after visiting them for Christmas and enjoying the mild Florida winter, Gary also decided to move to Orlando, Fla. He worked at Martin Marietta for five years before he was hired as the 363rd employee at Walt Disney World before the park opened in 1971. His job in personnel and employee relations allowed him to form many lifelong friendships during his 26-year career there. He served as a marshall at the Disney Classic golf tournaments during his tenure. Upon retiring from Disney, Gary joined Cintas, where he was a valued colleague for 13 years. In his community Gary was a Little League coach and umpire for more than 20 years. What will be missed most about Gary is his quick-witted humor, his heart of gold, his passion for giving, and his tireless devotion to his family and friends. Gary loved traveling with Connie, playing golf, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. Most of all, he loved making dreams come true for others.
Surviving Gary is his wife, Connie Lawton; his mother, Lurlene Lawton; his brothers, Wayne and Alan Lawton; and his children and grandchildren, Kellie Lawton and daughter, Ryleigh, Kevin Lawton and children, Lauren and Ryan, Alison McAleenan and children, Sean, Evan and Kylie, Scot Kerr, and Amy Black and son, Brennan.
Gary’s memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Windermere Union Church, 10710 Park Ridge Gotha Road, Windermere, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Gary’s honor to the American Heart Association.