Joseph Anthony Lawton Sr.

1931 - 2016

Joseph Anthony Lawton Sr. October 2, 1931 - March 8, 2016 San Diego Joseph Anthony Lawton Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends March 8, 2016. He was born October 2, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri to Dr. Thomas Patrick and Grace Dougherty Lawton. He graduated from St. Louis University High School in 1949 and from St. Louis University in 1953. On July 10, 1954 he married the love of his life, Mary Latta Clarkson. Joe was Vice President Western Region at the Eastman Kodak Company for many years before retiring to San Diego, California. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed reading, and spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his five children; Catherine (David) Bonhomme, Mary (John) Strock, Patricia (John) Eardensohn, Joseph (Lynn) Lawton Jr. and Elizabeth (Chris) Lacy; sister Mary Grace (William) Guyol and brother Thomas (Nancy) Lawton; thirteen grandchildren and their spouses; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.He was preceded in death by "his bride", Mary Latta Clarkson Lawton.We will celebrate the patriarch of our family with honor and great pride at a memorial mass and interment on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 1:30 PM at the Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory, Class of 49 to: St. Louis University High School, 4970 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 www.sluh.org