Obituary of Robert L. Lawrence

Robert Lee Lawrence went to his heavenly home on August 26, 2023 at the age of 82.  He was the fourth son born to William and Eloise Jennings Lawrence.  He grew up on the family dairy farm in Jewett, NY. and attended Hunter-Tannersville Central Schools, graduating in 1959.  He enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a radar specialist until 1963.  Then, he enrolled at SUNY at Oswego and graduated in 1967 with a BS and in 1968 with an MS in Industrial Arts Education.

He met his wife, Dena Greenway, while he was stationed in Boise, ID.  They were married on August 15, 1964, and moved to Oswego, NY where both attended college.  He taught for Kingston City Schools in Kingston, NY from 1968 until 1991 at the M. Clifford Miller Jr. High School teaching power mechanics, electronics, and metal shop.

Robert served the Town of Jewett as Supervisor 1974-75, councilman 1980-89, and Superintendent of Highways 1990-95.  He retired in 1996 and started his own small construction and landscaping business. 

He was a member of the East Jewett United Methodist Church and served on the PPR Committee and as a Trustee.  He also served on 4H committees and the Cooperative Extension Board of Directors.

Robert enjoyed making maple syrup following the family tradition and cut Christmas trees and made balsam wreaths from trees that were planted by his father.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and almost always got his buck.  He was an active member of PET International's local affiliate in East Jewett and proudly helped build and send PETs around the world.

Robert is survived by his wife, Dena; son William (Sandy) and daughters Sharon (Sam) Stueckle and Diane (Alan) Adcock; grandchildren Maurissa (T.j.) Gile, Kyle and Curtis Lawrence, Katie and Joshua Stueckle, Travis Adcock, and great granddaughter Novah Gile; sisters Janet Nicholls and Alice (Hisashi) Omichi.  He was predeceased by two baby brothers, his parents, and brother Arthur.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.  Memorial donations can be made to the East Jewett United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer's Association, or Community Hospice.