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JOHN LAWTON Obituary
John P. Lawton Army Colonel
John P. Lawton, a retired Army colonel and highly decorated Vietnam veteran who later served as Deputy Director of the Office of Memorial Affairs in the Department of Veteran Affairs, died September 3, 2015 at his home in Vienna, VA at the age of 78. Colonel Lawton, a resident of Northern Virginia since 1987, was born at the Presidio of San Francisco, CA, and was the son of an Army Lieutenant General. He served 37 years in the Army before retiring in 1990. His career included service in Germany and Vietnam where as a commander of a rifle company in the 101st Airborne Brigade he was severely wounded while earning the Distinguished Service Cross. On a subsequent tour in Vietnam, he commanded a Long Range Reconnaissance Company and later a battalion at Fort Dix, NJ. In addition to the Distinguished Service Cross, he is the holder of two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star for Valor and four Purple Hearts and is a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, GA. He is survived by his wife Barbara and his children Andrew, Matthew, Kathleen, Michael and his grandchildren Brady and Sienna. Burial, with full military honors, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN LAWTON
January 12, 2016
john was a great soldier who had a heart of gold and would do anything for you. A good family man and a real soldier. Bill and Margo Hospodar, Fi Dix, and falls Church.
mark helms
October 6, 2015
Colonel Lawton was my battalion commander at Fort Dix. I was one of his company commanders. He was one of the greatest influences in my life. He taught be about truth and integrity - which he lived out in his own life. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I know he was a devout catholic and he is resting in the arms of his Savior. Thank you Colonel Lawton for what you gave to me. Mark Helms
Charles W Raymond III
September 25, 2015
Knew John when we lived at Ft Monroe, VA in the late 1940's. A soldier's soldier if there ever was one. Colonel of Infantry. Rest in Peace, John.
ron payne
September 15, 2015
RIP RLTW
Patrick McGrady
September 14, 2015
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Lawton family. I am deeply saddened by the news of John's passing. He taught me a lot as we worked together at Quantico National Cemetery. He always gave me sound advice and guidance and kept a sense of humor about him. We compared our Army experiences and had fun talking about them. Rest in peace John.
John Grisoni
September 14, 2015
I met John in 1956 when we were at the U.S. Military Academy Prep School. He was my friend and classmate at West Point. One of the best men I have ever known.
September 13, 2015
As time passes we get older and then we die, most without a legacy, but John will be remembered by many who still live. To have served with, alongside, under or in the proximity of true leaders like John is a privilege those who have never served, under these circumstances, will never understand. I am confident that he now has a new body, free from scars and pain as he stands at Heavens Gate defending all therein.
Donald G. Costello, 1SG USA (Ret.)
John Gibbs
September 11, 2015
Met John St. Benard's Boarding & HS in 1951. It was a friendship that has lasted through our days at the Academy and later in VN. Both of our units were OPCON to 173rd at LZ English in 1970. Later in Germany where we met again. John was one fearless soldier and individual. His men always came first. I thank God that our paths so many times. John Gibbs
Jim Waters
September 11, 2015
I thought John was one of the most inspiring leaders I have known. God bless you, Ranger
Phil Pons
September 11, 2015
I first met John while in high school. He and his sister were "Army Brats" from Ft Monroe. John was a a great person to be around - and he would keep you smiling. Later we were at the prep school together. Did not have the honor to serve with him but had numerous occasions to meet over the years and appreciated those opportunities.
Phil Pons
Steve Arnold
September 11, 2015
John and I served together in the 1st Brigade, 101st Abn Division in Viet Nam. Years later we were together in the Training Division of ODCOPS in the Pentagon. Whether in combat or in an office in Washington, John always displayed, no, exuded passion, confidence and competence in everything he did and did it with a wonderful sense of humor and love of life. I will miss you my friend. Steven L Arnold, LTG (ret) US Army
Ann (Simcox) Fonfara
September 11, 2015
My memories of John began when he was a teen from St. Bernard's and a friend of brother, Tom, visiting our home at Ft. Benning. I also remember him as a young cadet at West Point. After graduation, I would always ask my brother about John's whereabouts. John had touched my heart many moons ago,and thoughts of him would always bring a smile. He always had a devilish smile. You were always waiting to hear what he would say so you could laugh with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Know that John is filling the heavens with laughter.
David Alligood
September 10, 2015
I was saddened by the news that John had passed away. He was an outstanding soldier who loved his country, the Army and especially his family. He will be deeply missed by me and his other comrades from the Walter Reed "Pit Crew'67-'68"
Safe journey John.
Dave Alligood
September 10, 2015
"Colonel Lawton was the CO of November Co Rangers when I served under him as one of his team leaders back in 1969. He was a man that drew respect from his command, and one who demonstrated time and again how he cared for his fellow rangers"
Chuck Vaughn (Philadelphia, PA)
Tom Simocx
September 10, 2015
JPJD and I went to high school together and he was a frequent visitor to the principal's office. That spirit and grit that he displayed back then were just a few of the qualities that John had and which made him a great solkier and old friend. His Mom and Dad would have been very proud of him. I think I speak for all of my classmates when I say, "Well done John, be thou at peace."
Tom Simcox
Secretary, WP Class of '62
Nikki Benns
September 10, 2015
I worked in the office with John at Quantico before he retired from VA. I'll never forget his sense of humor, obvious love for his family and his faith. He touched the lives of many and will be missed.
John Cruden
September 9, 2015
A great leader, inspirational Ranger, and a man of courage and conviction.
Greg Gile
September 8, 2015
John was a leader he will be remembered by us as a true hero. Our deepest sympathy to the his family. Greg and Glenice Gile Class of 86
Sam Schiro
September 8, 2015
See You on the High Ground.
September 8, 2015
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family. In God we trust. May his loving hand give you comfort during this difficult time. Ichiko and Tex Wandke
September 8, 2015
He was a great CO. RIP sir.
September 8, 2015
I worked with John at the VA and I so much enjoyed him! There will NEVER be another like him.
September 7, 2015
John P. Lawton was our CO (Commanding Officer) in Vietnam, N Co. 173rd Airborne 75th Rangers. He and the first sergeant came to the hospital after I was wounded to present in person a Purple Heart at the foot of my bed. Captain Lawton (at this time) cried apologizing for myself and the others being wounded. Told him then it wasn't his fault. This is how much he loved us and we him. RIP Colonel!
Aster/Gorham Black
September 7, 2015
May God hold you in the palm of His tender hands. Our Blessings.
Elaine (Boatman) Westmoreland
September 6, 2015
Thank you John, for your service to our country and for your leadership with the LRPs. More personally, thank you for your kindness, your presence, and your sense of humor during those times when our family (The Boatmans) were dealing with the hard losses of Darrell and Roy.
John Feistner
September 6, 2015
Although I never had the chance to meet Colonel Lawton, we did have a long conversation on the phone. He was gracious enough to provide the Feistner family with precious information regarding some activity during the War in Vietnam. I salute you and your service Colonel Lawton. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the entire Lawton family.
September 6, 2015
Rest in Peace COL LAWTON
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