David Patrick Lawton

David Patrick Lawton passed away peacefully at the young age of 69 at Edenbrook Lakeside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dave was born on March 30, 1956, and he entered eternal life with God on July 4, 2025. Dave was known for his open, friendly and generous nature. So much so, that when someone would first meet Dave, they were instantly a friend and no longer a stranger. Dave spent much of his time helping family and friends or volunteering for various groups or charities within his community.
Dave grew up attending St. Teresa's Kindergarten, Holy Apostles Grade School and New Berlin West High School. He worked many different jobs in areas such as film development, meatpacking, warehouse supplies, trucking and his true love, which was home improvement with his brother, Pete.
From early on, Dave was an avid sports fan. He seemingly knew every statistic and historical fact about the Packers, Braves (now Brewers), Bucks, Badgers and Marquette Warriors (now Golden Eagles). Athletic himself, he enjoyed playing football, basketball, baseball and golf, and later teaching and playing these sports with his nieces and nephews. Dave even had some success in getting his nieces and nephews to refer to him as "King David", however, "Your Royal Highness" was a no go.
Dave brought music and movies into our home. He rarely missed a concert, and we do not believe he ever missed a movie. Dave accumulated a huge library of both albums and movies from which he seemed to know all the lines and lyrics. He loved being in nature and relished the adventure of traveling, seeing new places and meeting new people. In his younger years, he would hitchhike to different parts of the country to camp and have what he described as a "rambling walkabout". Later, he enjoyed fishing and camping trips with family and friends. He was an avid bicyclist and hiker, traversing the bike trails and scenic parks in and around Milwaukee and Madison.
A high point in Dave's life was his involvement with the AA community where he met people from across all walks of life, helping many and being helped in return. He made many dear friends, whom he credited with his recovery as well as his uplifted view and involvement with life.
Dave cared for both of our parents in their elder years and through their passing. He often visited elderly aunts, uncles and parents of friends helping with projects and/or just sitting down together for good food and conversation. While Dave did formal volunteer work for organizations, such as Holy Apostles food basket deliveries, he was quick to respond when family, friends and really anyone needed him. He understood the true recipe to joy and happiness was in helping others.
Dave's life was enriched by his interests and filled with love for family, friends and community. He has left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He gave no accounting of the positive effects he had on others unless he felt he hurt someone. He was just Dave living his life.
Dave is survived by five siblings: sister, Kathleen; brother, Richard (Jina); brother, Peter; sister, Judith; brother, Brian (Karen); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James Lawton; mother, Mary Ellen Lawton; and older brother, Michael Lawton.
The funeral for Dave will be held at HOLY APOSTLES CATHOLIC CHURCH at 16000 W. National Avenue, New Berlin, WI 53151 on July 25, 2025. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass/burial, and a luncheon at the church. Afterwards, you are invited to a Celebration of Life picnic, reflecting Dave's favorite holiday, "BEATLES DAY"!!! This will begin after the luncheon at New Berlin's Valley View Park at 5051 South Sunnyslope Road, New Berlin, WI 53151. We have Picnic Shelter #1 reserved and it is right off the main entrance. There will be music, games, food and beverages.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Dave's favorite charities: Milwaukee Mission, Shriners Hospitals, St. Labre Indian School, Boystown, Wounded Warrior Project, Covenant House, and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659 Online Obit, Condolences, Directions www.churchandchapel.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.