Lawrence Widener

TONY WIDENER

Lawrence Anthony "Tony" Widener 66, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2017 at Caromont Regional Medical Center, Gastonia. He was born June, 7, 1950 in Cabarrus County to the late Lawrence J. and Collene Sigmon Widener.

Tony graduated from A. L. Brown High School in Kannapolis and Wingate College. He attended Appalachian State University. Tony retired from the Gaston County Police Department where he served as a sergeant, detective and a trainer. He also worked with the Gaston College Campus Police Department. Tony was a member of Firestone Wesleyan Church in Gastonia where he served as a church usher. He was also member of the Wesleyan men and served as a church Trustee. He also served in the Air National Guard. Tony was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His sons considered him as their best friend and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memories is his loving wife of 41 years, Toni Stewart Widener; sons, Jody Widener and wife Marsha, Robbie Widener, Dirk Widener and wife Shanon; grandchildren, Jacy, Kirby, Jacob, Charleigh Anna Paige Widener; great-grandchildren, Blake, Kendall, Easton; cousin, Larry Anderson.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Firestone Wesleyan Church, Gastonia with Rev. Don Avore officiating. Gaston County Police will be Honorary Pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 p.m. prior to the funeral at the church.

Interment will take place at Carolina Memorial Park, 601 Mt. Olivet Church Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083, on Thursday March 2, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Firestone Wesleyan Church, Building Fund, 1700 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054.