John W. Lawton, of Laurel, passed away on Feb. 2, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Jan. 11, 1942, in Ridgley, Md., to the late Lester and Doris Lawton. He graduated from Caroline County High School in 1960 and was voted most athletic.
John then joined the Army and was in the 82nd Airborne. He later married Joan, the love of his life, and they moved to Bethel to raise their family. John retired from the E.I. DuPont Company as a supervisor. After retirement, he enjoyed restoring furniture in his spare time, and later, he and his wife moved to Florida, where he enjoyed his job at the La Playa Beach Resort Hotel in Naples. Afterwards, they moved to Georgia before returning home to Laurel. He loved fishing, camping, the beach, sports, playing horseshoes, and riding motorcycles. John and his wife also had several places in Chincoteague.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Joan Lawton, and his son Jimmy Dunn. He is survived by his daughter Linda Bailey (Robert), son Kevin Lawton, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, brother Fred Lawton, and his sister Kathy Rohall (Bill).
A visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, from 6-7 p.m. at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. Pastor Tim Dukes will officiate. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.