Lawton V. Garnto

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA. with Reverend Craig Bowers officiating. Interment to follow in Parkhill Cemetery. A Visitation for Family and Friends will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.

Lawton was born in Wrightsville, GA on February 14, 1944 to the late Vernon Lawton Garnto and Louem Henderson Garnto. He lived in Waverly Hall, GA since 1993 and attended Wynnbrook Baptist Church. He graduated from Jordan Vocational High School in 1962. He attended Columbus State University on a basketball scholarship. He was the Athletic Director at Bibb Manufacturing Company and Bibb School. Lawton was employed by the Columbus Police Department from 1971 until 2006. Upon retirement from CPD, he also worked for the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Georgia Bulldogs. He was well known and loved throughout the community.

In addition to his parents, Lawton is preceded in death by his wife, Angela Allen Garnto; brothers, Abner “Buddy” Garnto (Martha) and Billy E. Garnto; sister, Shirley Smith (Bob); nephew, Tracy Smith; and son, Bryan Miller.

Survivors include his children, Michele Garnto Howard, Michael Garnto, Lisa Miller O’Neal of Lagrange, GA, and Diane Miller Copley (Scott); eight grandchildren, Taylor May (James), L.J. Howard, Garrett DeBardelaben, Hallie DeBardelaben Hall (Matthew), Kate Miller, Curt Miller, Drew O’Neal and Miller O’Neal, 5 great grandchildren, brothers, Alton Garnto of Columbus, GA, and Ben Garnto (Sandy) of Phenix City, AL; nieces, Robin Morefield, Jodie Jones, Kim Poe, Kelli Hawk, and Stephanie Osman; nephews, Jory Garnto, Todd Garnto, and Brad Garnto; and numerous other friends and family members.