Robert Strawn Lawson left this life for eternal glory on October 17th, 2023 surrounded with love. He was led to heaven by his mother Ollie, father Strawn, brothers Glenn and Robin and sister Pat. He is survived by his sister Phyllis, brothers: Jim, Hank, Rick (and wife Linda), Randy, and sister in law Donna Lawson and their families.

Born fourth in a family of 9 children on July 10, 1945, Robert Strawn Lawson was welcomed into the world by Ollie and Strawn Lawson. The oldest of the younger group, “Bobby” was, according to his sister, sweet and sassy. He was the littlest Lawson, growing to 5 foot 4. He loved standing on his head. Imagine how funny that was.

At 20 years old, on September 9th, 1965, Robert entered into the Air Force and served our country for nearly 4 years earning an honorable discharge and two medals: Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

After leaving the military, Robert met and married Ann McKay and together they raised 4 children in their 18 1/2 years of marriage. His children were the joy of his life. He provided a great life for them and taught them compassion, love and how to have fun. Each gained knowledge from him and became wonderful parents because of him. All of them say he was the best dad. His son Brett McKay, of Cadillac, Michigan, son Jason Lawson (and wife Kristan) of Ponca City, daughter Mindy Shotton of Red Rock, Oklahoma and daughter Katie Lawson of Tonkawa will forever cherish his memories and share his stories.

Robert worked for 10 years after the military at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac, Michigan before working 30 years and retiring from Rex Air in 2003. He often spoke fondly of his time there. After divorce, he later relocated to Pawnee Oklahoma, where he spent several years working at a skilled nursing center. He loved his barber there and looked forward to seeing her. At the bank, he was family. Everyone in his community loved him. In 2018 he moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma which he made his final home near his children.

In addition to his children, Robert absolutely adored seeing his grandchildren. He leaves behind Kaelah McKay of Michigan, Coshayta, Trey, and Presley Shotton of Red Rock, Oklahoma. Nathan Lawson and Galen Daykin Jr. of Tonkawa and Abbigail, Rileyann, Jude and Beau Lawson of Ponca City. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, of which he was very very proud.

Robert will be missed, but he was so very happy to join his mama in Heaven. May you forever rest in Peace.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 11am in Ponca City, Oklahoma: Osage Heights Baptist Church, 142 Tapp Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604 and pastor Justin Pickup will share a few words.

Family lunch to follow. Please bring a family style dish to pass. He loved when we gathered and shared time together so that’s what we would love to do.

We’d like to thank the nurses and staff Alliance Health Ponca City CCU and Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service in Enid for the care and love they showed our father.

Paid Obituary