Robert W. Lawrence, 81, of Rock Island, died Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Monday, February 8, 2021 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island and broadcast via live-stream by visiting https://vimeo.com/508132527.  A rosary will be recited at 12:30 pm Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island, followed by visitation from 1-3 pm.  Face masks and social distancing required.  Entombment will take place at Calvary Mausoleum, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made in care of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Robert was born in Rock Island, Illinois on February 4, 1939, a son of Albert Richard Sr. and Leona Bessie Roehrs Lawrence.  He was a graduate of Rock Island High School.  Robert married Phyllis A. Campagna on July 31, 1965 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island.

Robert proudly served in the U.S. Army as military police when stationed in Manheim, Germany.

Robert worked as a bricklayer for 25 years before becoming a realtor for Mel Foster and later, Remax On Track.  He retired in October of 2006.

Robert was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island, where he served many years as a Eucharistic Minister and was an honorary life-long member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was also a member of the Moline American Legion Post 246 and Rock Island Conservation Club.  Robert enjoyed fishing with his friends, Neil and Tom, brother, Elmer and grandson, Jon.  He also loved to cook, specializing in Tuscan soup and perfectly baked pork chops.  Robert cherished family gatherings and attending his grandchildren's activities.  Most of all, he loved being a grandad.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Phyllis Lawrence, Rock Island; children, Debbie (Rob) Duffy, Fairbury, Ill., Lisa (Matt) Maxwell, Geneseo, Ill., Joe (Gina) Lawrence, Coal Valley and Jeff (Michaela) Lawrence, Commack, NY; grandchildren, Jackie, Alex and Liz Duffy, Jacob, Jon and Annie Maxwell, Payton and Carly Lawrence and Addison and Michael Lawrence; brother, Elmer (Naomi) Lawrence, Taylor Ridge; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Betty, Dorothy, Jeneane and infant sister, Judy and brother, Albert Jr.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to UnityPoint Hospice for all of their compassionate care.

Robert would want to leave you all with one last quote saying, "I've got too much to do."

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com