Robert Lee English

Robert Lee English, 75, passed away on April 26 in Lock Haven, from a long battle with Dementia. Now that Bob has passed into the arms of our Lord, his physical life on earth is over, but it is the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him.

Son of Claire B. English (Putt) and William T. English, he was born Sept. 10, 1949, in Jersey Shore. This small town is where he would grow up as a boy playing baseball and being active in Boy Scouts. He graduated Jersey Shore High School in 1967.

Having suffered a traumatic brain injury early in life which left him with permanent personality and behavior disorders, Robert found it difficult to maintain long-term employment. He used to call himself “The Layman,” meaning, that he was never an expert in any one particular subject. Many have called him a “jack of all trades, and master of none,” and he was okay with that.

He was preceded to heaven by his mother and father; his elder brother, Richard Lee English (Nancie); his ex-wife and mother of his children, Susan E. English; his nephew, William “Bill” H. English; and his beloved niece, Amanda English. He is survived by his daughter, Shawnalee E. Hughes (Andrew); son, Jason M. English (Peggy); his only grandchild, his granddaughter, his “Honeybun,” Kaelee E. Hughes; and his younger brother, William C. English (Sandra); as well as many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The Layman was an avid reader and also wrote quite a few poems in his time, even having had one or two published locally in The Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

Robert’s most proud, but least bragged about moment came when then-sitting President Reagan recognized him for a poem he wrote about the Challenger disaster entitled “The Magnificent Seven.” To say dad was “over the moon” would be an understatement (pun intended).

Robert had a wicked sense of humor and loved to make people laugh and smile. While he sometimes had difficulty interacting with others, it was never his main intention to insult or harm. But if he could make you laugh, that was a “win” for him.

Robert loved the outdoors. Fishing, going for a “Sunday drive” on any day of the week and being the “Candyman” at Crossroads Church Jersey Shore Campus, handing out candy before weekly church services were his weekly joys until his dementia took over.

While we lost our dad, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a friend to many, a master at sarcastic humor and witty timing to others and even a glorious pain in the neck, to what I’m sure is a small army (because no matter what happened between you in your lives, once you were marked as important to him, he’d be by your side if you needed him).

His family wishes to extend a special thanks to the dedicated staff and administration of Lock Haven Rehabilitation and Senior Living.

Per Robert’s request, there will be no services. It was his final wish that we all just laugh, reminisce and try to be kinder to one another.

Arrangements are entrusted to Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, Jersey Shore.

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