Robert Edward Lawson

             On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, Robert Edward Lawson, loving father of two children and three grandchildren with one on the way, passed away at the age of 68.  Robert was born on October 6, 1955, in Lansing, Michigan to Edward Martin Lawson and Hildegarde Crawford.  He graduated from Petoskey High School in 1973 and went on to receive art degrees from Kendall School of Design and Western Michigan University.  Rob finished his education with a master’s degree in fine art from the University of Wyoming.  On August 7th, 1981, he married Judy Ann Podczervinski.  Together they raised two sons, Michael, and James.

                Rob was a creator, a builder, and a dreamer to the very end.  His talents and studies in art helped his freelance illustration business thrive into the 80s and 90s working with companies such as The Upjohn Co. and AT&T as well as Arcadia Brewing Co.  In the late 90s, Rob anticipated the impact the personal computer would have on his business, so he started to renovate homes on the side.  He personally renovated his primary home in Kalamazoo, Michigan as well as his lake house in Allegan, Michigan of which he was very proud.

                One random night in the early 2000s, Rob had a dream where a grand story played out in his slumber.  This dream was so profound that it ignited a passion within him to bring this story to reality as a graphic novel.  Over the next two decades he authored (under the alias of Fred Franklyn), illustrated, and published this dream into a graphic novel on February 29th, 2024, called Ofeeo’s Adventure which is currently available on amazon.com.

                Robert was preceded in death by his father, Edward and his mother, Hildegarde.  He is survived by his ex-wife Judy, sons Michael and James, sisters Lydia and Mary and stepbrother Jeff.  A celebration of life event is to be held at a later date and details will be provided via facebook.com under Michael’s, James’s, or Michael’s wife’s Holly’s profile pages.

                  We love you very much, Dad.  Thank you for being our moral compass, an incredible father, friend, and a man of faith.  We are fortunate to have had the time we did with you.  May you rest in peace in Heaven.  XOXO

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