Robert Stiles Lawton

Robert Lawton, a devoted family man, dedicated engineer, veteran, and recognized contributor to space technology, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 12, 2026. He was 98 years old.

Born in Newton, Kansas, Bob grew up working on the family farm while also assisting his father, an agronomist and electrician, learning valuable hands-on skills from an early age. He graduated from Newton High School in Newton, Kansas. A talented athlete, he played basketball during his high school years, a passion that continued into college.

Bob proudly served in the United States Navy before pursuing higher education at Kansas State University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and continued to play basketball for the Wildcats. He later obtained his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University.

His professional career began at RCA in Camden, New Jersey, where he spent 37 fulfilling years in engineering roles of increasing responsibility. He advanced steadily through the ranks, culminating in his position as a Program Manager in East Windsor, New Jersey, contributing significantly to technological projects throughout his tenure.

In 1997, he was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame by the United States Space Foundation for his exemplary role as the ACTS prime contractor program manager in advancing space-related communications technology.

Bob was a longtime member of Saint Andrews United Methodist Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he found community and spiritual support.

In his leisure time, Bob found great satisfaction in woodworking, tackling intricate projects with the same precision he brought to his engineering work. He also enjoyed home improvement projects, always ready to build, repair, or renovate around the house. Additionally, he loved being on the water, sailing the Chesapeake Bay, and on the slopes, skiing with family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife of many years, Mary Jane Lawton (née Welsh); his children, Elizabeth Piascik (Richard), Margaret Grepo (Scott), Kathy Craig (Scott), Eileen, and Eugene (Teri); his grandchildren, Scott Jr. (Rachael), Stephen (Kandyce), Jeffrey, Shawna, Brian, Derek (Kathryn), and Jessica (Tom); and his great-grandchildren, Scott III, Kayleigh, Avery, Carson, Henry, Noah, Hayden, Jamison, Jarrett, Waylon, Ollie, Isla, and Benjamin.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bob's memory to Space Foundation at www.spacefoundation.org .