David L Lawton

David Lee Lawton, 60, died at his home in Colebrook on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 after courageously battling cancer. His family and faithful sidekick, “Big Poppy,” were at his side. Born in West Stewartstown, NH on May 21, 1965, he was the eleventh child of the late Elmer and Blanche (Gray) Lawton.

He attended Colebrook schools and was nicknamed “Rock” by his friends due to the Schleprock luck that seemed to follow him. Friends and family that met him later in his life also felt the Rock nickname suited him due to his strength. David had a way of making the most out of tough situations, so it was just like him to turn a nickname that poked fun at his luck into a legacy of hard work and fortitude.

Whether it was his early days of piling brush and working on the farm, his shorter stints in construction or as an electrician, or the many years in the woods that ultimately led to Lawton’s Tree Service, David was not one to sit idle. There were many mentors, friends, and younger tradesmen that David greatly appreciated and who admired him in return. Anyone in the North Country knew his handshake meant something and that made his family so proud of him.

Outside of work, some of his early hobbies were judo and arm wrestling. The learned phrase, “Pretty simple, right?” could always bring a smile to his face. In his adult life, he was often leaning into his true passion of being in the great outdoors. He had many wonderful memories hunting, fishing, canoeing, as well as riding ATVs and snowmobiles. He also had an “office” and often considered Pittsburg a second home in his later years.

If you knew David for his strength or hard work, you knew a great piece of him. If he made you feel loved, you knew the best piece of him. David married Jean Brooks Crawford and felt fortunate to become a father to her three daughters. He grew in many ways during their marriage and supported Jean with her own battle against terminal cancer. Later, David was able to find his next version of love and happiness with Trisha and Vicki. Trish and David enjoyed many adventures together, but especially traveling to Mexico, Aruba, Colorado, Nashville, and Maine.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jean, David is predeceased by his brothers, Richie and Jerry Lawton; brother-in-law Dennis Perry; and his sisters-in-law Rosamond Lawton & Bonnie Ball. He is survived by his fiancee, Trisha Lawton; his daughters, Deanna (Doug) Donovan, Cherilyn Drouin, and Linda Smith; his grandchildren, Matthew and Emma Clement, Jasmine (Jay) Tarby, and Cornelia Smith; his great grandchild, Kaiden Tarby; his brothers and sisters, Ronnie (Mary) Lawton, Sue (Dennis) Bailey, Raymond Lawton, Linda Perry, Beverly (Elliott) Hibbard, Reenie (Rob) Maxwell, Deb (Bill Carter) Lawton, Bobby (Josee) Lawton, Cindy (Ray) Hamel, Cheryl (Mark) Curley, Kathi (Kerry) Haynes, and Dan (Julie Pariseau) Lawton; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In accordance with David’s wishes, there will be no public services, but a celebration of life will be held at the American Legion 79 Kingsly, Rd., Canaan, Vermont on Friday, June 27th at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of David can be made as donations to the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, 181 Corliss Lane, Colebrook, NH 03576. David’s help was often given not so other people could see he had a good heart, but instead so the person that he loved felt supported. If following his suit, the best way to honor David would be by giving the shirt off your back to someone that needs it.