Joseph Lawton

Madison - Our beloved Joe died peacefully at home on May 7, 2014 at the age of 79. He was born April 1, 1935 in Wigan, England, son of Sarah and Arthur Lawton.
While studying in London, Joe met his future wife Pauline, they were married in June 1960. Joe began his career by teaching and he furthered his education, culminating in a PhD from Leeds University. In 1974 he accepted a position as Professor in the Child and Family Studies Program at University of Wisconsin, Madison. Joe was the director of the U.W. Pre-School Laboratory, and he was recognized as a national expert in the evaluation of pre-school education models. He also conducted research regarding the Head Start Program and was Chair of his Department for nine years. In 1981 he received the Palmer O. Johnson Award for Outstanding Research from the American Educational Research Association.
Joe is survived by his wife Pauline; five children Sarah (Mitch) Lawton-Sprecher, John (Kristi), Gerard, Matthew and Andrew Lawton, Grandchildren; Jacob and Brielle Sprecher, Thomas and Lindsey Lawton. Foster son Peter (Deirbhle) Newhall and children Freya and Saibh. He is further survived by his sister Mary (Gerard) Siney and many other extended family members in England.
Friends and relatives may call at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church (602 Everglade Dr., Madison WI 53711) on Saturday, May 17 from 9:30am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am, Father Bart Timmerman presiding. A luncheon will follow in the Church social hall. Inurnment will take place at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison.
The family wishes to thank everyone at U.W. Hospitals and Clinics, St. Mary's Care Center and Agrace Hospice Care.
Memorials can be made to U.W. Heart and Vascular Research U.W. Foundation, P.O. Box 8860, Madison, WI 53708 or Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison WI 53711