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Robert Lawson Obituary
Robert N. Lawson passed away at home May 8, 2013 at the age of 84. He was born September 7, 1928 to Thomas and Dorothea Lawson, in Woodstock, Illinois. Robert lived for ten years in Northern Illinois (until his mother died), then moved to Southern California with his father. On August 10th 1951, after 2 yrs of college at UCLA, Robert entered the Air Force. After basic training, Robert married Naomi Wade on October 6, 1950 in Eugene, Oregon, 4 months into the Korean Conflict. Robert had signed up for Air Force navigation training at Ellington AFB, Texas, and was separated from Naomi for most of the first two years of their marriage. Robert's 20-year Air Force career included 27 combat missions as a navigator on a B-29 crew during the Korean War, being lead navigator on about a third of those missions. Robert then went into Air Force Reserves and was assigned to Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, just south of Kansas City, MO. Major Robert Lawson retired from the Air Force in 1988. Immediately after active duty, Robert enrolled at the University of Kansas where, over the years, he earned five degrees. Dr. Lawson started teaching at Washburn University in Topeka Kansas in 1963 and over 31 years, taught Shakespeare, English Literature, freshman comp, and several years of Japanese Literature before retiring Professor Emeritus in 1994. Dr. Lawson shared his love of literature and theater through his poems, sonnets and plays, as well as The Woodley Press, Inscape, and Kansas Authors Club.
Robert was preceded in death by Naomi, his wife of 62 years. Robert is survived by his sister, Barbara Jean (Hayter) Yakima, WA; three brothers, Tomas of Colville, WA, Russell of Sweet Home, OR, and George, of Laguna Beach CA; four sons and their families, Lewis and Nancy Lawson, Tamantha and Todd Hockenbury and their children, Montana, Tanner, and Keat; Tim and Lori Byers, and their children, Tre and Will, all of Lawrence, KS; Eddie and Cindy Lawson and Elijah, Dee Lewis and John Edward Lawson, all of Topeka; Mark and Toria Lawson, of Huntington West Virginia; Jeff and Tammy Lawson, Alex and Nicholas, of Topeka. An open house will be Monday, May 20, 2013, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the family's home at 1503 SW MacVicar Avenue, Topeka, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Society in Robert's name, or Helping Hands Humane Society in name of his faithful companion, Pug.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lawson
August 30, 2013
I just learned today of Bob death. He was such a fine man. I am blessed to have known him, and to have directed his Mishima. His works will live long, and he will be remembered by many. I send love and light to you all. Repha Buckman
Lorna Amundson
May 30, 2013
I have only just learned of the loss of Bob and Naomi this last year from a friend in Lawrence Kansas. I am so sorry. They were our best friends back in graduate school, and Naomi took care of our daughter Kathy. I did not hear from them last Christmas, and now know why. Very special people. My thoughts are very much with all of you. Lorna (Cordonnier) Amundson.
Jim Wolff
May 16, 2013
Eddie,Jeff,Mark,and Lewis. Sorry to hear about your father. Had to be a great man to take on the four of you. Enough said...thoughts and prayers.
susan ashley
May 15, 2013
Nancy and Lewis I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Denise Low
May 14, 2013
Dr. Lawson meant so much to me. I so appreciate all he did through Woodley to help writers. His website was one of the first. Thanks you for supporting him in his life.
Ron Hein
May 13, 2013
To the Family of Robert Lawson,
I took British Literature from Dr. Lawson many years ago and loved the class and his knowledge of Olde English. If he were here today, I would share some rhyming couplets with him. I remember him articulating in Olde English the phrase "seldom is Friday like any other day of the week". I very much appreciated what he taught me, and the opportunity to share the world through his eyes. He was a great teacher and a great person, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
Michael & Felicia Miller
May 12, 2013
Lewis & Nancy we are sorry for the loss of your loved one. May your memories comfort
you both in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts.
Sara Tucker
May 10, 2013
It was a privilege and a joy to be his colleague for many years. Thanks, Bob, for all the fine memories!
Gwen Sengpiehl
May 10, 2013
Robert Lawson will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He touched many lives with his ability to weave the lessons of literature into the actions of living.
Leslie Gurtler
May 10, 2013
I will miss Dr. Lawson. He was my Freshman Comp professor 30 years ago and more recently we shared time in the James Joyce Lemonade Society book club. He was a treasure. I will think of him with fondness always. God bless his family. May he rest in peace.
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