Robert Franklin Lawson went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 20, 2017. He was born to Ralph and Maude Lawson in David City, Nebraska, on July 28, 1932. He grew up there with his brother Donald Lawson.

He attended school in David City and while in high school he was a star football player and held a state record in Track. Robert attended the University of Nebraska and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan College. While there he met his future bride Sara Whitlock. They were married on March 25, 1956, while Sara was still finishing her degree in nursing. Right out of college Robert was hired by General Electric where he spent his entire career, retiring 33 years later. After retirement, Robert and Sara moved from Sacramento, California, to Vashon Island, Washington, in order to be near his aging father-in-law. They lived there until last year, when they moved back to Sacramento. Robert is survived by his wife Sara, four children (Annie, Gregg, Jean, Tricia) and their spouses, 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. His remains will be interned for eternity on Vashon Island. Robert will be missed for his generosity, his sense of humor and his genuine love of people.