Obituary of Dr. Lawton Everett Sumler

“Therefore, we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all…. II Cor4:16-17

Dr. Lawton Everett Sumler

“Teacher of Teachers”

Dr. Lawton Sumler, the son of the late Bishop Clarence and mother Gertrude Sumler was born December 22, 1946 in Manhattan, New York.  The Family was with him as he transitioned at 5:07pm, November 4, 2019.  He was the youngest son of five children, who all preceded him in death.

Lawton graduated from Bronx Vocational High School in 1964 as an Auto Mechanic.  During his high school playing days, he was on the track team that went to the Penn relays, football, basketball and baseball.  He was scouted by the Chicago White Sox; however, his parents refused to allow him to be signed to a pro contract. 

Lawton enlisted into the United States Navy in September 1964 and after completing boot camp; he reported to Da Nang Viet Nam, April 1965 – 1969.  His tour in the Navy included places such as; Hawaii, crossing the equator into Singapore, Hong Kong, Islands of Japan, Korea, Philippine Island, West Indies, Puerto Rico, Denmark Sweden and Viet Nam. In 1967, Lawton was injured in Chu Li, Viet Nam.  This injury caused extensive damage to his right knee which resulted in his separation from active duty.  He was given a medical discharge from the United States Armed Services and returned home to recuperate and sort out his next direction.

Lawton was called and chosen by God in 1978 to teach the life changing Word of God.  In his position as a family therapist he used his occupation as a vessel of God when afforded the time to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to fellow workers and colleagues.

Lawton served faithfully at Antioch Holiness Church, Baltimore, Maryland under the leadership of the late Bishop George E. Moye.  He was ordained deacon, elder and served as the National Youth President, Choir Director and appointed Sunday School Superintendent/Teacher during his tenure there.

On June 4, 1983, Lawton was united in marriage to Patricia Lomax.  To their union they were blessed with eight children.

In 1988, Lawton and his family settled down to worship at Faith Hope Christian Center Church, which later relocated to Capitol Heights, Maryland, under the leadership of Bishop Joseph and Sandra Braswell.

During his tenure, he became Associated Pastor, developed and later became Academic Dean/Instructor of Faith Hope Theological Seminary for eleven years and served as Sunday School Teacher/Superintendent.

Since 1978, Lawton had a passion for teaching people how to apply the Word of God in their everyday lives and worked with Bible Faith Church of God/Graceland under the leadership of Bishop David and Dorcas Adeoye, located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and until a lengthy illness, served at Healing the Land Ministries under leadership of Bishop Douglas Williams, located in Elkridge, Maryland.

Lawton received his Associate of Arts in Social Work from Bronx Community College in 1976.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University/Morgan State University in 1979.  Dr. Sumler obtained a Master of Biblical studies from Logos Christian College Graduate School, then Doctorate of Ministry – Clinical Psychology from Logos Christian College Graduate School in 1995.  He also served in the capacity of School representative for Logos Christian College and Graduate School, Jacksonville, Florida.

Lawton was currently studying Christian Philosophy and Advance Contemporary Apologetics at Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary, Newburgh, IN.

Lawton never complained about anything and always had anencouraging word for you.  He was strongly committed to accuracy of the scriptures and loved teaching the Word of God.  He was loved and admired by everyone who came in contact with him. He will forever be missed.

Lawton leaves to cherish his memories; his wife Patricia Sumler, six sons, Rodney, Keith, Spencer, Tavet (Tiffany), Shawn and Marco; two daughters, Sheree and Patrice; five sisters-in-laws; four brothers-in-laws; One Aunt Rose Hanton; twenty grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who all loved him and will miss him dearly.