George M. Lawton Jr., loved dearly by his family, passed away March 4th in Gilroy at the age of 87. He was preceded by the loss of his beloved wife, Ethel, in Oct., 2008 after sharing their lives together for 65 years.
George was born Feb. 14, 1922 in Plainfield, New Jersey to Elizabeth and George M. Lawton Sr. When he was only 3 months old, the family traveled across the United States in a Model “T” Ford. In 1925, the family moved to Gilroy and opened “Lawton’s Gem Shop” which remained open until 1990.
George graduated from Gilroy High School in 1940. In March of 1941 he went on active duty with his Gilroy National Guard unit, Co. B, 184th infantry. He graduated from OCS as 2nd Lieutenant in January 1943. Thereafter, he was sent to Stockton Ordinance Depot for motor officer training were he met the love of his life, Ethel Ruth Preszler, on April 21st. Three months later, on July 20, 1943, they were married in Pueblo, CO. In November 1943, George was shipped overseas, serving in New Guinea and the Philippines. He would later continue with the National Guard, retiring as a Lt. Colonel after 30 years of service.
After the war, George went to work for the Bank of America in Gilroy and was later transferred to Lodi, CA. where George and Ethel’s daughter Joan and son George III were born. The family moved throughout northern California before finally settling back in Gilroy. After 38 years of service, George retired from the Bank of America as Vice President, Manager of the Gilroy branch.
He was a devoted husband and father who dedicated himself to his career and to the service of his country. He is survived, and will be greatly missed by his daughter Joan and son-in-law Gene Loveless of Hollister, CA, his son George M. Lawton III of Nevada
City, CA; four grandchildren, Steven Loveless of Paicines, Laurie Loveless of Hollister, Christina Lawton and Arnie Lawton of Chicago Park, CA; his brothers Ed Lawton of Santa Clara, Phil Lawton of Gilroy and Bill Lawton and wife Deborah of Scottsdale, AZ; brother-in-law Arlie Preszler and wife Margie of Lodi; as well as many nieces and nephews, their families, his friends and neighbors.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, Mar. 13th at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.
