Obituary of Robert D. Lawson

Robert D. "Bob" Lawson, 84, of 436 Hebner St. Jamestown, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, September 21, 2017, in the Heritage Park Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility. A lifelong area resident, he was born May 6, 1933 in Jamestown, NY, a son of the late Stanley and Lucille Johnson Lawson. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from May 26, 1953 to April 27, 1955 during the Korean War. During his service he was a cook and baker for the Company B, 73rd Tank Battalion. Before his retirement he was a meat cutter for 46 years. He began his career at the age of 16 working for the Rockman's Super Duper Market, before and after his military service, for 26 years. He then worked for the former Quality Markets for 20 years. He was a longtime member of the Camp St. United Methodist Church and was active in many church functions over the years. He was a member of the Ingjald Lodge 65, Independent Order of the Vikings, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, the Jamestown Moose Lodge, the Ira Lou Spring Post 149 American Legion, and enjoyed his time as a member of Koinonia of Jamestown and Chautauqua County. He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and family man, where he was affectionately known to his granddaughter Megan as "Papa". He loved the many years he spent camping at Camp Chautauqua and was always loved to travel with family and friends. During the 1950's he was an avid roller skater where he met his future bride at the Midway Park Roller Rink. He loved listening to music, especially the big band sounds of the Glen Miller Orchestra. One of his proudest moments was when he directed the Tommy Dorsey Band at Jamestown High School. His other interests include golfing, bowling, traveling and he had a keen interest in cars, especially the new models that came out each year. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Mary Lou Cave Lawson, whom he married October 25, 1953, two daughters; Katherine A. Lawson, Christine L. (Tim) Caldwell, two sons; Stephen L. Lawson, Jeffrey R. Lawson all of Jamestown, a granddaughter; Megan (Eric) Stevenson of Erie, PA, a brother; Jack (Karole) Lawson of Cassadaga, NY, many nieces and nephews, his two first cousin's; Kenneth (Annie) Johnson of FL, Paul (Flo) Johnson of Ashville, NY and the beloved family dog "Sadie". A memorial service for Bob will be announced at a later date. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to the Camp St. United Methodist Church, 110 Sanford Drive, Jamestown, NY 14701 or to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750.