Robert H. Straton

Robert Hillyer Straton March 1, 1933 - October 25, 2025

Bob Straton was born in Jersey City, NJ. He was adopted by the late Warren B. and Ruth C. Straton. At the age of 58, Bob found his birth mother, Dorothy H. French and enjoyed 6 years together as mother and son before she passed. Bob earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from The King’s College in Briarcliff Manor, NY. Bob was a member of St. Stephen Reformed Church, New Holland, PA.

Bob had a musical gift and began singing in his youth. At the age of 17, he left home for Philadelphia, PA to join the quartet of Dr. Percy B. Crawford, evangelist. Bob attended school; sang weekly with the quartet on the radio and the live weekly television program, “Youth on the March”; traveled with Percy and the quartet on a world tour; and worked and sang at Pinebrook Bible Conference during the summers. Bob made many of his dear, lifelong friends during these years. It was also there at Pinebrook that Bob met his beloved wife, Barbara Parker Straton. They enjoyed 66 wonderful years of marriage.

Bob worked various jobs throughout his life, including public relations and sales at Channel 17, Ross Rhoad’s team with Church Centered Evangelism, and at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City. At Calvary, Bob worked with Dr. Stephen F. Olford, where he produced the weekly tv program and 3 weekly radio programs. Bob went on to spend 32 years at Walter Bennett Communications, where he eventually served as President, before retiring in 2001. Bob was dedicated in getting the programs of Christian pastors and teachers on the radio and television across the country. During these years, Bob sang as a soloist and choir member, and served on many boards, including Chairman of the National Religious Broadcasters.

Bob was an extrovert who enjoyed people, laughter, music, and of course good food. He was an encourager to so many. His love and devotion to Jesus Christ shone through in all he did.

Bob was proceeded in death by his dear wife, Barbara. He is survived by his children, Bob (Anne) Straton, Scott (Ruthie) Straton, Jeff (Carolyn) Straton, Lynne (Jim) Head, Lori (Rick) Millham, Kathi (Dan) Campbell, 17 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren (with 1 on the way).

A private burial will be held at St. Stephen Reformed Church. A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 10, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 South Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, with Pastor Chet Yoder and Dr. Drew DiNardo officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (www.billygraham.org), Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org), or Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund (433 South Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA. 17557).

The family would like to give special thanks to the Garden Spot Village chaplains and Mountain View/Fallcrest staff and nurses for their outstanding care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Beck Funeral Home, New Holland.