Rev. Robert Haynes London Jr.

The Reverend Robert (Bob) Haynes London Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor and teacher, passed away at home surrounded in love with his family by his side. Bob lived a full and participatory life despite recent challenges with a chronic pulmonary illness.

Born in Tulsa, Okla., in 1931, he was the son of the late Robert Haynes London Sr. and Wanda Joy (Folks) London. He and his wife, Nancy Joyce (Park) London, were celebrating their 55th year of marriage this year.

Bob was ordained in 1956 by the Presbyterian Church USA. He earned his BA from the University of Tulsa and a Bachelors of Divinity and Masters of Theology from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Ill. As a pastor and church educator he served churches in Detroit, Mich., (1956-1961); Warren, Mich., (1961-1965); Washington, Pa., (1968-1975); and New Kensington, Pa., (1975-1978). For the 18 years before his retirement, he served as the Christian Education Consultant for the churches of the Lehigh and Lackawanna Presbyteries in the Synod of the Trinity, Presbyterian Church USA (1978-1996). In this capacity, he also served as the staff consultant for Camp Lackawanna in Tunkhannock, Pa., and Camp Brainerd in Stroudsburg, Pa.

Bob was a patient, humble and loving man, whose sharp wit and sense of humor kept us all entertained. Bob's holy mission was to make friends. His creativity, energy and kindness infused all that he did. He mentored and shaped the lives of many through his patient teaching. He encouraged and catalyzed people into action, working with them to bring his ideas to life and bringing great joy to children of all races, beliefs and abilities. He had the ability to transform self-absorbed college students into a capable church camp staff. His creative insights and leadership led to the development of an event he called, "The Joy of Sharing Christmas", a Disney-like tour of activities and experiences of holiday fellowship for families and children with disabilities, held annually at the Church of the Covenant in Washington, Pa., starting in 1969 and continuing well after he left the area in 1975. A similar "joy" celebration was held in the former Oppenheim store (Scranton, Pa.), with the support and cooperation of many Presbyterian congre gations in Scranton, several thousand children and their families benefited. In collaboration with Mister Rogers, he was the coordinator for the "International Year of the Child" celebration at Grove City College in 1979, featuring a large children's choir with representation from across the state of Pennsylvania. He led mission trips to Alaska and West Virginia, participated in leadership of the Presbyterian Youth Triennium and Synod School, and provided support and counseling to men in prison. He was a vocal and successful advocate for persons with disabilities throughout his career.

During his retirement, Bob continued to give back to the community, volunteering as a translator and tutor for seasonal farm workers in the Scranton area and helping others to befriend the workers and their families. An additional joy during retirement was leading worship services for residents of the Abington Manor.

Hospice of the Sacred Heart provided Bob with excellent care during the latter stages of his life. Bob's family is very appreciative of the compassion and thoughtfulness of the Sacred Heart staff members.

He is survived by his sister, Donna Costantino of East Lansing, Mich.; wife, Nancy Joyce London; three children, Dr. Wendy Beth London and wife, Theresa Williams, of Natick, Mass.; the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kenneth London and wife, Linda, of Tulsa, Okla.; and Susan London Edson and husband, Joseph, of Moseley, Va.; three grandsons, Alexander Robert London, Connor William Edson and Radley Joseph Edson; a niece and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held on July 13, 2013, at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 School St., Clarks Summit, Pa., with services by the Rev. Virginia Miner and the Rev. Roger Griffith, and a dinner to follow in the church fellowship hall.

The family will receive friends at the church from 2:30 until 3:30 p.m. Interment will be private at a later date in the Clarks Green Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lawrenceey oungfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to "The Robert London Kids to Camp Fund," to provide Christian enrichment opportunities, including scholarships to attend camps and conferences, to children, youth and young adults. Checks should made payable to the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit PA, 300 School St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411, including a notation to direct the funds to "The Robert London Kids to Camp Fund."