Robert L Drayton

Mr. Robert L. Drayton, age 88, loving son of the late Zeke and Gussie Drayton, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Robert was born on July 4, 1937, in Ruston, Louisiana to Zeke and Gussie Drayton. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, brother Leroy Drayton, wife Shirley B. Hester, son Robert L. Drayton and wife Shirley J. Patton.

Robert gave his life to Christ at an early age. He was a faithful member of St. Timothy Community Church for 56 years where he served on the Senior Usher Board, Men's Fellowship, L&L Catering, July Birthday Group, landscaping, and head custodian. He dedicated his life to God and his church family.

Robert graduated from Jasper Henderson High School in 1957. He left Louisiana and moved to East Chicago, Indiana where he worked at Inland Steel Mill for 33 years. Also, he owned Drayton Cartage Company and volunteered with the Boys Scout of America. He married Shirley B. Hester and from this union they had four handsome sons, Terrence Drayton, Marc (Cynthia) Drayton, Robert (Carlois) Drayton, and Gregory (Linda) Drayton. Robert and Shirley were happily married for years until her passing in 1996. He later married Shirley J. Patton and from that union he gained a son, Jeffery Patton.

He cherished spending time with his family, was a great cook, and his fish fries were the best. Robert never met a stranger and loved to treat everyone the way he wanted to be treated, by seeing the good in everyone. His favorite saying was "If they don't know no better, they can't do no better.

Robert leaves his loving memories to his devoted and caring sons and special niece: Phyllis Drayton; sisters, Melvie Drayton and Irene Hodges, brothers: Zeke (Lynn) Drayton, Nathaniel (Mary) Drayton, Larry Drayton and a host of beloved grandchildren: Carlton Drayton, Marc Drayton, Jamese Drayton, Shaxavier Drayton, Terrence (Raven) Drayton Jr., Robert Drayton Jr., Tresor Drayton, De'Jour Drayton; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation: Friday, December 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with Funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. All services held at St. Timothy Community Church, 1600 W. 25th Ave., Gary, IN. Interment: Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart, IN. Livestream services will be available promptly at 11:00a.m. at sttimothychurch.org.