Harry C. Lawton Jr.

Harry Lawton ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home on Mar. 16, 2026.Harry C. Lawton, age 95, of Harleysville, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Deborah D. (Deisher) Lawton, with whom he shared over 29 years of marriage.Born May 17, 1930, in Bridgeport, he was a son of the late Harry C. Lawton and Mary Lawton. As a child, Harry and his family lived on a small farm in Bridgeport.Harry was a remarkable man. He would greet you with a twinkle in his eye and the biggest smile. He possessed incredible intelligence and integrity.As a young man Harry owned his own business, H.C. Lawton, Jr., Inc. His company was an underground utilities contractor. He was self-employed until he closed the business. He then worked for Danella Companies Inc. for many years, fully retiring at the age of 93! He enjoyed his work and loved keeping his brain engaged.Harry played basketball in high school and kept a love of sport. He was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles. He loved attending games in person and was glued to the TV whenever they played. Harry was an accomplished tennis player. He enjoyed playing matches as often as possible and relished in beating his younger opponent, his friend, Jack.Harry was also an equestrian. He was a long-time member of the US Dressage Federation. He imported Gregor, a Hanoverian Warmblood, from Germany and rode and competed up to fourth level in Dressage. He competed at the prestigious Dressage at Devon horse show several times. It was because of horses that Harry met Deborah.Harry loved aviation. He owned and flew his Mooney well into his 60s. He was a long-time member of the Valley Forge Signal Seekers Radio Controlled Model Airplane Club. He delighted in building, repairing, and flying his RC planes.For many years, Harry and Deborah were snowbirds, spending their winters in Pine Island, Florida. A pursuit they enjoyed together. They also enjoyed traveling, including trips to the United Kingdom, Alaska, and Hawaii.Harry was well known for his tinkering – he loved a challenge of finding a solution to annoyances, big and small. You could find his handywork everywhere!Most of all, Harry was a devoted and caring husband of 29 years to Deborah. Her wellbeing was his first priority. Not having children of his own, Harry cultivated and enjoyed a close relationship to Deborah's adult children, Megan and Todd. He freely offered support, advice, and love.Harry was a unique individual who will be missed by all who knew him.In addition to his wife Deborah, he is survived by his stepchildren Megan Allen and her husband Bill Shupp, Todd Allen and his wife Petra; grandchildren Kate and Josh Allen. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Arbor Conference Center at Maplewood Estates (Peter Becker Community) 815 Maplewood Drive, Harleysville, where the family will greet guests from 10:00 – 10:45 AM.Interment will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harry's name may be made to a charity of donor's choice.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.