Thomas A. "Tom" Lawton

METHUEN ? Thomas A. Lawton 80, beloved husband of the late Barbara (Keefe) Lawton passed away peacefully at home Friday after a short illness. Tom was born in the Canabiola Heights section of Methuen to William and Grace (Shanahan) Lawton. Tom was a life-long parishioner of St. Monica?s Church in Methuen involved the PTO, Knights of Columbus, the CYO and Basketball League. He graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1950, where he won a Lawrence Community Chest essay contest and played on a team of outstanding basketball athletes. After graduating high school, Tom went to work in the Pacific Mills and then joined to U.S. Coast Guard where he received the good conduct medal and was honorably discharged. He worked in the industrial and value engineering fields for several local companies which included Honeywell, Raytheon, Western Electric and Digital. He also owned and operated for many years The Trophy Shoppe in Methuen. Diving, Bowling and Golfing were some of the sports he enjoyed with his friends. Tom?s spare time was spent with his family, friends and parish. His family always came first, he adored his children and made no distinction between them, their spouses or significant others; to be under his roof was to be safe, welcomed and loved. His children who wish to say good bye include; Donna of Methuen, MA, Dave and his wife Mary of Hudson, NH, Mike and his wife Chrissy of Chesapeake, VA, Tom and his wife Phyllis and granddaughter Erika of Goode, VA, Tim and his wife Lynne of Currituck, NC, Terry and his wife Kate and granddaughters Taylor and Meghan of Methuen, MA, Diane and her companion Joe Angers and granddaughter Sophia. One sister Virginia ?Ginny? Murray of Clarkesville, VA Tom also leaves a much loved sister-in-law Patricia (Keefe) Santos of Bedford, NH, a very dear friend Carolyn McDougall of Methuen, MA and many nieces and nephews great-nieces and great-nephews. Tom joins his other siblings, Bill Lawton, Gert Devaney, Marie Ebert, Kenneth Lawton and Frances Landry. ARRANGEMENTS: In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice 360 Merrimack Street BLDG 9 Lawrence, MA 01843. Family and friends may call on Monday from 4:00p.m. ? 8:00p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9:00a.m. in St. Monica?s Church in Methuen with burial to follow in the Elmwood Cemetery also in Methuen.

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Thomas A. "Tom" Lawton