OXFORD – Robert L. Lawton, 87, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 10, 2012 in Cortland.
He was born on Dec. 25, 1924 in Oxford, the son of the late William J. and Grace (Moore) Lawton. On May 3, 1953, he married the love of his life Betty (Hicks), who predeceased him on March 21, 2005.
He is survived by his children, Jim and April Lawton of Homer, Chuck and Ann Marie Lawton of Syracuse, David Lawton of Oxford, Carol and Dennis Fallon of Rural Retreat, Va., Dale and Susan Lawton of Norwich, and Jerry and Kim Lawton of Morris; his brother William Lawton, Jr. of Oxford; as well as fourteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Bob, as he was known to his friends and family, was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and husband. He was hard working, and truly loved the outdoors. Bob enjoyed a long career with the New York State Parks and Recreation Department, as park manager for Gilbert Lake State Park in Laurens. He always made time for his children and their interests, filling the role of pack leader for cub scouts and boy scouts, as well as coaching the Little League baseball team in Oxford.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oxford, with the Rev. David Hanselman officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main Street in Oxford, on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 72, Oxford, NY 13830; the American Cancer Society, 57 Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905; National Parkinson Foundation, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.