Thomas Archer Lothian II, of Williams Bay, 86, died May 14, 2015.
He was born Dec. 14, 1928, to John James and Catherine (Rogers) Lothian in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and met his wife of 49 years, Carol Ann (Vichek) Lothian. The two were married on April 20, 1957, in Bedford, Ohio.
He worked for more than 30 years as a professor of chemistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition to teaching, he also served as the dean of students for many years.
After retiring from the university, he served for four terms as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from District 32. He was the oldest freshman Assemblyman ever to serve in the state Assembly.
In addition to his professional careers, he served as a Williams Bay Village Trustee and was instrumental in the development and restoration of the Williams Bay lakefront. He also served on the Walworth County Board and was a past president of the Wisconsin Counties Association. He was a member of philanthropic organizations including the Medinah Shriners, the Williams Bay Lions Club and the Scottish Rite of the Masons. He served as past president of the Lions Club and was also a former master of the Glenview Masonic Lodge.
He was a member of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club and served as the commodore of the club during its centennial. He was also a member of the board of directors at the Geneva Lake Sailing School.
He was a member in good standing of the United Church of Christ in Williams Bay where he served as a deacon.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann (Vlchek) Lothian; and his brother, David Lothian. He is survived by his two sons, Thomas (Kelly) Lothian III, of Roselle, Ill., and Jack (Erin) Lothian, of Williams Bay; four granddaughters; friends; colleagues; and neighbors.
Visitation will take place Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Toynton Funeral Home, 328 Kenosha St., Walworth. A brief visitation will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at the United Church of Christ, 46 Stam St., Williams Bay, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Williams Bay Lions Club, Williams Bay School District, Williams Bay United Church of Christ, or the Geneva Lake Sailing School.
