Santa Fe, N.M. —
Robert C. Lawrence
November 10, 1926 - February 3, 2013
Santa Fe, NM — Robert “Bob” Lawrence died early Sunday, February 3, 2013 in his home at the Kingston Residence surrounded with his family. He was 86. A musical memorial tribute to his life was held for family and friends at the Kingston on Friday, February 8th. Chaplain David Martinez was the celebrant. Dr. Madeline Williamson, of Abiquiu, NM performed piano selections of Schubert, Mozart, Brahms, and Copland. Family and friends shared with poetry and remembrances.
Robert was born November 10, 1926 in Omaha, Nebraska to Floyd Irving Lawrence and Iva Leola (Kincaid) Lawrence. He grew up in Clinton, Iowa and was the second of five children. In addition to other musical pursuits he began studying the piano as a young boy. After graduating high school he attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, studying with Jacques Jolas and spent two summers of study at the Banff School of Fine Arts in Alberta, Canada. He graduated from Cornell College with a Bachelor of Music in 1949.
While at Cornell College he met Donnis Joy Klempnauer, a voice student. The couple married on June 15, 1950 before moving to New York City to continue further musical studies. Robert pursued graduate studies at the Julliard School of Music, where he studied with Beveridge Webster. He received his Master of Music degree from Columbia University. In 1952 he joined the Music Department at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. He continued his studies spending summers at Eastman School of Music studying with Cecile Genhart and Frank Glazer.
During his forty year tenure at Ohio Wesleyan University he taught piano, music theory, Sixteenth and Eighteenth Century counterpoint, and form and analysis. He maintained an active private piano teaching schedule for students of all ages. He was the pianist in the Duvall Trio at Ohio Wesleyan, performed numerous recitals in the United States and Canada, and accompanied many music associates in the Music Department. He held the John R. Wright Chair in the Humanities, received the Bishop Herbert Welch Meritorious Teaching Award, The Adam Poe Medal and the Founders Award. He retired in 1992.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Pete and Harold, nephew Scott, and niece Stacey. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Donnis K Lawrence (Santa Fe, NM); sisters Barbara (Bill Rowland, Marion, IA) and Bonnie (David Foley (Camanche, IA); sisters-in-law Peggy Lawrence (N. Ft. Meyers, FL) and Joan Lawrence (Camanche, IA); brother-in-law D. Gary Klempnauer (Columbus, OH); daughter Stephanie L. Lawrence (Cedar Falls, IA), son Steve Lawrence (Santa Fe, NM); his beloved grandchildren Christopher Lieder, Emily Lieder, and Makena Lawrence; and seven nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to local hospice organizations.
