George D. Bolton, 99, of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, Dec. 8,2024. He was a beloved father, devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, and cherished uncle. His presence and long life were a gift that we will carry with us always. Through the years, George’s family grew, and with each new generation, his legacy of love and devotion continued to flourish.
Born in Joliet, IL, on Oct. 23, 1925, he was the son of the late George and Helen (Huising) Bolton. George graduated from Joliet Township High School, where he played trumpet in the band.
George was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bertha “Nita” (Hale) Bolton; his son, George W. Bolton; brother, Kent Bolton and nephew, Matthew Bolton.
He is survived by his son, Brad (Debra) Bolton; daughter-in-law, Catherine Bolton; four grandchildren, Anna Bolton, Elizabeth Bolton, the Rev. Dr. G. Jacob (Susan Francisco) Bolton, Dr. Nicholas W. (Erica Jones) Bolton; four great-grandchildren, G. Joseph Bolton, Mary Bolton, Sylvia Bolton, Maris Bolton; niece, Karen Bolton, great- nephew, Brent Bolton; great-niece, Morgan Bolton.
On June 21, 1952, George married Nita (Hale) Bolton in South Bend, IN, and together they shared 70 years of marriage. They were devoted parents to their sons, George and Brad.
George and Nita were skilled in ballroom dancing and enjoyed social dances with their friends. During the 1960s, dance outings included the Aragon or Willowbrook Ballrooms in Illinois where they danced the night away to big band and jazz music.
George’s career included inventory and production control in the automotive industry. He also spent many years working for Hadco Engineering in Elkhart, IN, where he held roles in sales and management within the travel trailer industry.
Music, both as a listener and a performer, was central to George’s life. He was a trumpet player and a self-taught organist, continuing to play and share his music for many years. His Hammond B3 organ brought him joy, and he would play it daily. He also enjoyed antique cars and drove his Model A Ford in the Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Parade annually.
George and Nita were blessed with many years of retirement, spending their winters in Texas and Florida in their motor home. George Bolton was a member of the United Methodist Church, Paw Paw, and a long-standing member of the Masons.
A funeral for George Bolton will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, at the United Methodist Church, Paw Paw, 420 W. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw. Visitation will be at the church at 11 a.m. with the funeral service at noon. A reception at the church will follow.
Memorial contributions may be directed to United Methodist Church, Paw Paw, or the Paw Paw – Lawton Masonic Lodge 25, 238 E. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI, 49079.
