Gary 'Cap' Walter Lawson

Gary W. ‘Cap’ Lawson, born December 31, 1944, passed away of natural causes on April 7, 2021 to go and be with his recently passed wife, Jeanne L. Lawson, whom he was with for 42 years. Those who knew Gary knew him as ‘Cap’, a nickname given to him by his grandfather, which stuck his entire life. Cap lived a very fruitful and rewarding life after being raised in what he considered a utopia in the big house on the hill in Milton, De. Cap had several different professions throughout his life from his early days at Draper King Cole in Milton, running the family-owned bar and liquor store, a long tenure at Kent & Sussex Tire in Milford, a time at Macklin & Son Tire in Lincoln, owning and operating Cap’s Tire Center in downtown Milford and a final time at Macklin & Son Tire Center, until he made the decision to retire. To Cap, the most rewarding part of his life was mentoring and coaching the local youth in sports. Cap frequently spoke fondly of his 24 years as a volunteer coach of youth basketball with Milford Parks & Recreation where he made impressions on kids that would be returned with fond thanks from former players, then adults, in the decades to follow. He also managed Milford Little League’s Big League baseball team for several years. When cap did have granddaughters of his own, the fire of his love of volunteering was re-lit and re-shaped to suit young ladies on the field, where he coached softball for 6 years with Milford Little League, following his grand-daughters up through the leagues. As they turned to travel softball, Cap became an avid fan, never missing a weekend in the blistering sun to cheer them on. Cap often spoke of wishing he could write a book to tell all the stories there were the comical events of his time coaching young ladies. Cap never was at a loss of a joke to share to anyone willing to listen and loved to prank his friends, especially with his fart machine. He loved to share stories and reminisce about his many friends and all the wonderful times they spent together. Cap was also known for his love of shooting pool, having spent numerous years playing local Busch Leagues and most recently weekly games at Milford Elks Club, where he was a member. Never was a summer day complete without lounging in the pool with his family playing, of course, 50’s music, loudly across the pool deck. He loved hosting many of his grandkids’ summer events such as softball end of season and high school graduation parties. The last 2 years of Cap’s life was a challenging time during which he was an attentive husband to his wife, Jeanne Lawson, during her courageous battle with cancer that finally took her life recently in February. He, his daughter, Erica Paquette, and Janet Macklin stood with Jeanne to the very end, along with his grandchildren, who were there most of the time for the last 2 years. Cap was preceded in death by his father, Norman S. ‘Lawsie’ Lawson; mother, Marie T. Lawson (2004); loving wife, Jeanne L. Lawson (2021); his brother, Jerome ‘Jerry’ Lawson (2005) and Tommy Lawson. He is survived by his brother, Rick Lawson of Texas; a sister, Linda Lawson, of Texas; daughter, Erica Warrington Paquette (Tobias) who came home to care for her mother from her home in Louisiana; his granddaughters, Ambrie Price (Mark) and Brandi Paquette; his grandson, Tagen Paquette; his great-grandchildren, Briar Price and Haelynn Jeanne Price; his 24-year-old cat, Whiskers; his Great Dane, Axel, who never left his side; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Cap will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Cap wished that friends donate to Milford Parks and & Recreation, 207 Franklin St., Milford, DE 19963 or Milford Little League, PO Box 404, Milford, DE 19963