ONEONTA – Robert J. Lawson, Sr., 87, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at the A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta.


Born on November 10, 1919 in Oneonta, Bob was the son of William and Anna (Melhorn) Lawson. He graduated from Oneonta High School in 1937.


Bob was a United States Army Air Corp veteran, serving during World War II from 1942 to 1945. He was a pilot of a B-17 in the European Theatre where he flew 26 missions. He obtained the rank of First Lieutenant. Bob received Air Medals and 3 Oak Leaf Clusters along with the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. In March 1945, he was awarded the Purple Heart. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he became a member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States and obtained the rank of Captain.


Bob married Gladys M. Hrabak on September 14, 1958 at the Lutheran Church in Oneonta.


Bob was a life-long member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Oneonta, serving on the Church Council and Property Committee. Bob actively served his community. He was a Boy Scout leader, Davenport Troop 63, for over 10 years. He was a founding member of the Pindars Corners Fire Department. He was the Chairman of Assessors in the Town of Davenport for more than 35 years. He also delivered Meals-on-Wheels to those in need. Bob was a member of the Davenport Memorial Post 487, VFW, and served as Post Commander for two years. He was a member of the I.B.E.W. Local 2032 and retired from the New York State Power Authority in 1988.


Bob is survived by his wife, Gladys Lawson of Oneonta; a son, Robert J. Lawson, Jr. and his wife, Jean Ostrowski Lawson of Oneonta, and their daughters, Hannah Marie and Lydia Grace ; a daughter, Patricia Lawson Ashe and her husband, Charles Ashe of East Meredith.


Bob was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Boschetti.


Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be fondly remembered.


Calling hours will be on Thursday, July 12 between 6-8 PM and a VFW sevice will start at 7:45 PM. at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, July 13 at the Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 1 Center St. , Oneonta, with the Rev. Paul Messner, pastor, officiating.


Interment with military honors will follow at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.


Memorial contributions may be made to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 1 Center Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 or the Davenport Memorial Post 487, VFW, PO Box 88, Davenport Center, NY 13751.


To share a condolence or memory with the family please visit, www.lhpfuneralhome.com


The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St. in Oneonta, is serving the family.