Born July 22, 1926, in Tampa, Florida, John was the son of Rev. John W. Lorton and Leona Zander Lorton. He was an educator, published author, business owner, thoughtful writer, scholar, and musician. John dutifully served in the U.S. Navy, 1944-45. He held a B.S. from Anderson College, M.Ed. in Supervision and Administration in Elementary and Secondary Schools from the University of Florida, Ph.D. of Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Post-Doctoral Program in the Applicability of the Behavioral Sciences to Elementary Education from New York University. He taught in both elementary and high schools, was Dean of Boys in public schools, and was Headmaster of a private school in Miami Beach, before he founded The Lorton School in Coconut Grove, Florida. In 1984, along with Eveleen Lorton, he published the textbook Human Development Through the Lifespan. John was a longtime professor at the University of New Orleans and retired in 1991 from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He was a gifted educator impacting the lives of the students he taught in such a way that they left his tutelage with the ability to educate with brilliance. Thus, the ripple effect of John’s life will continue for generations to come. He will be remembered for his passion for education, dedication to study and writing, engaging conversation, wit, and wisdom.
John was preceded in death by his parents Rev. John and Leona Lorton, sister Clara Smith, and half-sister Naomi Ledwidge. He is survived by his spouse Nelson Gonzalez, sister Eveleen Lorton (since deceased October 11, 2021), nephews Jon (Barbi) Smith, Dick (Emily) Smith, Mike (Teresa) Smith, niece Sue (Royce) Hammel, 10 grand-nephews and nieces, and 14 great grand-nephews and nieces.
In loving memory, a memorial service for John W. Lorton will be held in Tampa, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God, 2202 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612.
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