Lawton C. Gerlinger, Jr., M.D.

GERLINGER, Lawton C., Jr., M.D. of Clarksville, Ohio and Naples, Florida, died Tuesday, November 3, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Lawton was born April 11, 1938 in Fostoria, Ohio, son of the late Lawton C. Gerlinger, M.D. and Mary (Rousculp) Gerlinger. He graduated from Fostoria High School in 1956. Lawton was also a graduate of Culver Summer Schools and was company commander of the Naval Band his senior year. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1960 and The Ohio State University Medical School in 1963. Lawton was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. While a student at Ohio State Lawton was a member of the Men�s Glee Club and was active in student government. He furthered his medical training while interning and completing a residency in Dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. Upon completion of his residency, Dr. Gerlinger served as Chief of the Department of Dermatology, Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Illinois. In 1969, Lawton and his family moved to the Dayton area where he practiced Dermatology for 30 years. Dr. Gerlinger is survived by Patsy (nee Burns) Gerlinger, three sons and daughter-in-laws, Trey (Marisa), Dr. Brooks (Alicia) and Gregg (Carolyn) Gerlinger. Grandfather to Trelyn, Lawton IV and Landen Gerlinger, Brandon, Collin and Kelli Gerlinger, Grant Gerlinger and Brandon and Bryant Foreman. Sister and Brother-in-law, Ann (Gerlinger) David Haney of Columbus, OH. Ann was his devoted, loving and primary caregiver until the end. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful Aunt Ann. He will be missed by numerous family, friends, patients and colleagues whose letters, notes and phone calls were such an encouragement and very much appreciated. Special thanks to Pastor Jeremy Stout who never gave up and was such a blessing to our family during this time. While residing in Dayton, Lawton was a 25 year member of the Kiwanis Club of Oakwood serving as president in 1975. He served on the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph Home for Children and for a number of years he coached Little League Baseball and SAY Soccer teams in Centerville. Dr. Gerlinger sponsored a scholarship recognition award at Centerville High School and in 1984 was awarded the Centerville School Citizen Award. Dr. Gerlinger volunteered by teaching clinical dermatology for residents and medical students at The Ohio State Medical School, The Wright State Medical School, and was especially proud of starting a Dermatology Clinic in Wilmington, Ohio, teaching students from the University of Cincinnati Medical School. He was a lifetime member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Medical Association, The Ohio State Medical Association and the Montgomery County Medical Society. In 1988, Dr. Gerlinger traveled to China and in 1992 traveled to Kenya teaching Dermatology diagnosis and treatment to local physicians in these countries. Lawton was an avid fly fisherman and a member of the Miami Valley Fly Fishers and the Rod and Reel Club of Centerville. He was a Master Gardener and enjoyed overseeing his Clinton County farms. Family will receive friends at Routsong Funeral Home, Centerville Chapel, 81 N. Main St., Centerville, OH Saturday, November 7, 9-11 am. Memorial Service 11 am. Officated by Jeremy Stout from Bible Baptist Church, Marysville, OH. Private graveside service for immediate family members. Interment at Woodland Cemetary. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: OSU Melanoma Cancer Research Fund, 311-842, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218; Homereach Hospice Ohio Health/Kobacher House, 3595 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43214; FCFI, Fellowship of Christian Farmers International www.fcfi.org or Bible Baptist Church, P.O. Box 55, Marysville, OH 43040. Condolences and other tributes may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.

Funeral Home:
Centerville Routsong Funeral Home
81 N. Main St.
Centerville, OH
US 45459