Robert Kelsey Lawton, 68, died April 14, 2012 at his home from complications of pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Newport, Rhode Island, and spent his childhood in South America and Washington, D.C. He moved to Vero Beach in 2002 from Jacksonville, Florida.

While studying at Pennsylvania State University, he was active in Navy ROTC and continued six years active duty service as a Lieutenant. He completed an MSA degree from George Washington University.

He enjoyed 40 years in business sales with Air Products & Chemicals, Sperry UNIVAC, and Dean Witter Reynolds before moving to Vero Beach where he worked for the American Red Cross. His most rewarding job was as Director of Missions at Community Church for the last 5 years.

Prior to worshiping at Community Church, he was a member of Christ by the Sea Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 3 months, Sandra Schumann Lawton of Vero Beach; son, Robert K. Lawton, Jr. of Marquette, MI; daughter, Cynthia Myers of Loveland, OH; stepdaughters Valerie Goldman of Napa, CA and Kelly Schumann of Washington, D.C.; mother, Vee LaBerge of Vero Beach; sister, Jean Smith of Sanford, NC, and 4 grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 28th at 10 am at the Community Church of Vero Beach with the Rev. Drs. Robert and Casey Baggott officiating. Interment will be in the Community Church Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions should be made to The Community Church Missions Board, 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960; www.ccovb.org; (772) 562-3633.

Arrangements are by Cox-Gifford-Seawinds, Vero Beach, FL. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.