I’m not ready to comb through my social media posts to re-post them here.

Not quite ready to see the lovely comments and stories from those who knew and loved and admired my dad.

I’ve been replaying the events of early October 2026 over and over in my head, vainly trying to understand and come to terms with the moment Dad “shuffled off his mortal coil.” Mostly I roll over in bed, coming close to the surface of sleep after the end of a REM cycle and BAM! There it is, thoughts of death and love and weirdness and faith-becoming-sight. It’s all confusing and good and bad and twisted up inside of me still.

Someday I’ll add more in this space. Until then, here is my beloved Daddy’s obituary. Image and words are mine. (I haven’t called him Daddy in probably over 40 years but it’s been coming to mind more since he got promoted to Glory on October 7.)

David Pierce Lawton, age 78, of Lincoln, Nebraska, stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior on October 7, 2026.

Born on February 18, 1948, in Santa Barbara, California, David lived a life of servant leadership as he followed Jesus Christ. Born to John and Mary Lawton, David looked up to his big sister Ruth and in turn was looked up to by his younger brothers John, Steve, Tom, Tim, and Mike. David is fondly remembered for his kindness, warmth, and generosity by many who knew him at Wheaton Academy, Covenant College, the University of Nebraska, churches and hospitals in Florida, Georgia, California, Oregon, and Nebraska, and by his nursing colleagues, nursing  students, and patients along the way. 

David absolutely cherished his college sweetheart Claudia Jones Lawton and was pleased to provide for her, honor her, and love her for every moment he had on this earth. David and Claudia raised their three children to be critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and compassionate, service-oriented human beings. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Claudia, son Adam, daughter Rebecca (Jeremy), son Andrew (Jenny), and beloved grandchildren Livia, Harley, Noah, Pierce, and George. He leaves behind all of his siblings and their much-loved spouses, nieces and nephews who all wish they could hug him one last time.

A family-only private graveside service will be held soon. Memorial gifts may be given to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief.