Robert Lawhorn

Robert Franklin Lawhorn “Bob” passed away Friday January 23rd, 2026 in his home in Rockton, IL. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 51 years, Pauline (Patrick) Lawhorn. He is survived by his step-daughter Judie (Phelps) Heinschel of South Beloit, IL and step-son Robert Phelps (wife, Amy) of Rockton, IL; three grandchildren: Sarah (Phelps) Freedman (husband, Sam) of Chicago, IL, Daniel Phelps (wife, Erin) of Rockton, IL, Teke Heinschel (wife, Rachel) of Roscoe, IL; four great-grandchildren: Jude and Cole Freedman of Chicago, IL, William and Elijah Phelps of Rockton, IL.

Born in Somonauk, IL in 1924, he spent time in the orphanage known as Illinois Soldiers' & Sailors' Children's School in Normal, IL before settling in Roscoe, IL with his “aunt & uncle” Kay and Allie McCurry. Upon graduating from Hononegah High School in 1943, he enlisted in the USMC and spent time in the Pacific during WWII and remained enlisted and stayed at Camp LeJeune for the Korean War. After returning home, he married Dorsey Powell and lived in Loves Park, IL with her and her son Gary while working at an auto body shop. He found a job in the heat treating business for Ipsen and worked into a position to travel the country repairing and consulting. After Dorsey's death from cancer in the late 1960s, he met Pauline and was united in marriage in June of 1969. Throughout the following years, he masterfully balanced advancing his career, developing his aviation hobby, spending meaningful time with his grandchildren, and giving time and effort to the Rockton United Methodist Church. In the twilight of his career, he worked for Wisconsin Knife Works in Beloit, WI until retirement.

Bob was the embodiment of gregariousness and generosity. Especially during his retirement, he donated much of his time to the Rockton United Methodist church in the way of remodeling and maintenance. He also enjoyed flying civilian aircraft and was an initial investor and shareholder of Cottonwood Airport in Rockford, IL. He cherished his time with his family; helped Pauline facilitate her "Vintage Style Shows" in the stateline area, spent time with his grandchildren. His child-like enthusiasm and thirst for learning never dimmed, and was known to everyone around him as an energetic and reliable source for good conversation, laughter, and an insatiable sweet tooth. He will be missed by all of his family and is ecstatic to reunite with Pauline.

A visitation will be held on Friday January 30, 2026 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at McCorkle Funeral Home-Rockton Chapel 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL. A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:30 am Saturday January 31, in Rockton United Methodist Church, 102 W. Chapel St., Rockton, IL with Rev Seonghyun Choi officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 pm in Winnebago Cemetery, Winnebago, IL.

Memorial donations can be made in Bob's name to:
Rockton United Methodist Church, 102 W. Chapel St., Rockton, IL 61072
Hononegah H.O.P.E. Foundation, 307 Salem St., Rockton, IL 61072