Samuel Varnes Lawton

Samuel Varnes Lawton, 71, previously of Wilmington, DE, passed away at his home in Mankato, MN, on March 14, 2024, where he had resided for 19 years.

Sam was born in 1952 to the late Irving and Barbara Lawton. He graduated from Brandywine High School in 1970. Three years later went on to marry the love of his life Karen Gentowski at Saint Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, DE. Sam worked for 17 years with A.I. DuPont Institute, and for the Northern Delaware Football Officials Association of which he was honored for his many years of service. He was a proud volunteer of the Talleyville Fire Department for 18 years. Once moving to Minnesota he became very involved in the community just to name a few, Mankato Lions Club, LEEP, MRCI, Aktion Theatre, and Knights of Columbus.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Barbara; wife, Karen; sister, Ginger Hudson; and former friend and brother-in-law Donald Sadler.

Sam is survived by his sister, Sharon Ganley (Joel) of Minneapolis, MN; nieces and nephews,  Kersten Thibault (Pat) of Minnesota Lake, MN; Kerrey DePaoli of Galveston, TX;  Deacon Sadler of Jacksonville, FL; Tanya Proffitt of Olney, MD; Corey Ganley of Maple Grove, MN; and many great-nieces and nephews. Burial will be private.

Sam has requested in his memory for donations to be made to Northern Delaware Football Officials Association (NDFOA) 410 Winterberry Drive, Middletown, DE 19709.