Robert E. Lafoon

Robert Earl Lafoon, Bobby, Bob the Locksmith, Dad, Pops, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away peacefully January 31, 2026 with his family at his side. He was 70, y'all! Born in Fort Lee, Virginia on March 19, 1955 to Hubbard Clifton and Patricia Ann Shoop Lafoon, the eldest of four children, he remained a Virginia boy his entire life. He started his career as a Virginia State Trooper, was a professional painter, a mechanic, and for the last 31 years an intuitive, creative, and highly respected local Locksmith.

Always one to reinvent himself, he never let a challenge intimidate him. He was blissfully optimistic. This was never more evident than fifteen years ago when he was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure and given six months to live. His family, of course, was devastated, and he, always true to himself, walked through the house whistling a song he only half-knew the tune to as if it was any other day. Every morning, he drank his coffee and when asked how he was, responded with a twinkle in his eye "not bad for the shape I'm in." It was that attitude, that faith that everything was going to be okay, that sense of humor that sustained him and his family far longer than they could've possibly imagined or hoped for.

Bob never met a stranger. He made friends with gas station attendants, grocery store clerks, or the many people who sat with him three days a week in dialysis. He loved people as much as he loved blueberries and peach ice cream. He remained fascinated by snowflakes, trains, and hummingbirds, never took himself too seriously, and worked to take care of his family until he drew his final breath, ensuring that his son, Wyatt, would be well-prepared to succeed in the family business.

Left to miss his quick wit, his well-timed dad jokes, and his infectious laughter are his wife of 45 years, Patricia Lafoon; his daughter, Kristi Lafoon of Virginia Beach, Virginia; son, Dwayne Kiser, and daughter-in-law, Kym, of Portage, Indiana; son, Brandon Lafoon, and daughter-in-law, Tina, of Hampstead, North Carolina, and son, Wyatt Lafoon, also of Virginia Beach, Virginia; grandchildren: Brianna Keeling (Anthony), Amber Rogers (Ryan), John Thomas Lafoon, and Nola Lafoon; great-grandchildren: Hunter Kiser-Rogers, Maverick Keeling, and Maddie Keeling; sisters Elaine Rowley (Earl) of South Hill, Virginia and Donna Cliborne (Bruce) of La Crosse, Virginia; and brother Mark Lafoon of Raleigh, North Carolina, nieces and nephews and a host of cherished friends, neighbors, customers, and loved ones. Also left to miss head scratches, treat games, and yelps when she booped him with her cold, wet nose, one miss Athena Valkyrie Lafoon, the Husky who brought him much joy and laughter.

While his life on earth was not nearly as long as his family hoped it would be, he delighted in his faith that he'd be leaving this home for a home with Jesus.

A memorial service will be held at Kempsville Baptist Church, located at 5204 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 on February 27, 2026 at 11 AM. The family will begin receiving friends at 10 AM, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kempsville Baptist Church in Bob's memory.

Arrangements in the care of Graham Funeral Home & Crematory, Chesapeake. Online condolences can be made at www.grahamfuneralhome.com