J. Howard "Doc" Lawton

AIKEN, SC -- J. HOWARD "DOC" LAWTON, 70, beloved husband of Kay McGee Lawton, died Monday, June 6, 2011 at his residence. A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Howard was the son of the late Joseph Howard Lawton, Sr., James A. Gee and Evelyn McCarty Lawton Gee. After serving in the United States Air Force, Doc began his career in 1965 with the City of Aiken Fire Department. He was one of the first firemen to cross train as a police officer when the city merged police and fire to become Public Safety. Major Lawton was in charge of all uniformed personnel when he retired from the Aiken Department of Public Safety in 1995. He was a member of Town Creek Baptist Church, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, Aiken Masonic Lodge #156, Aiken Shrine Club and Jamil Temple in Columbia. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and all sports especially those his grandchildren were playing. Survivors, in addition to his wife Kay, include a daughter, Shari L. (Roger) Barton, Aiken, two grandchildren; Kayla M. Barton and Tyler W. Barton, and a foster grandson, Kenny "Harley" Youmans. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 4:00 PM at Town Creek Baptist Church with The Rev. Clint Smith and Eddie Grant officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence and in the fellowship hall following the service. Honorary Pallbearers will be retirees and officers of Aiken Department of Public Safety. Memorial contributions may be directed to Town Creek Baptist Church Youth Mission "Go Fund", 250 Town Creek Rd., Aiken, SC 29803 or to a favorite charity. Please visit the online guest register at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com. SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of J. Howard "Doc" Lawton, please visit our flower store.