Robert Lee Tawes, 101, of Crisfield, MD, died Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home.

He was born in Crisfield January 22, 1922 to the late John Maurice Tawes and Leila Dana Tawes.  His wife, Elsie McMurry Tawes to whom he was married in 1945 predeceased him on October 9, 2016.

Bob, as he was known by everyone, graduated from Crisfield High School in 1938.  While attending Vanderbilt University in 1946, his brother Dana requested he return to Crisfield to reopen the GM dealership that had been closed during WWII.  Tawes Brothers has now been operating over 80 years.  Bob has been selling new cars since he was seventeen.  It has been his supreme interest and one to which he had dedicated his life.

He was a retired US Army Captain having served with the 29th and 98th Infantry Divisions during World War II.

Bob was the oldest member of the Crisfield Fire Department having served over 70 years, three times as president of the company and several terms as secretary and treasurer.

For ten years he was a member of the Crisfield City Council.  During his term the city obtained the Rubberset Corporation, Somers Cove Marina, and the Crisfield Housing Authority.

He was a member of the Stanley Cochrane Post #16 American Legion, 2nd Commander of the former VFW Post #8274 of Crisfield, and was a partner in Tawes Brothers General Motors Dealership.

During his free time on weekends in the summer he enjoyed sailing and in the fall quail hunting held his interest.  Before he became deaf music was his love, playing his saxophone with a group at Asbury United Methodist Church.  On Saturday nights he played with King Sterling's group to earn extra money for his growing family.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Elsie Elizabeth McMurry Tawes; his brothers and sisters-in-law, John Pearson Tawes and wife Margaret Lee Nelson Tawes and Maurice Dana Tawes and wife Lois Dize Tawes; and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer "Jenny" Tawes.

Bob is survived by three sons, George Dana Tawes and wife Patricia, Robert McMurry Tawes and wife Bonnie, and John Pearson Tawes, III; grandchildren, John P. "Jack" Tawes, IV, Gregory D. Tawes and wife Jessica, and Lori B. Riggin and husband Adam; and great-grandchildren, Kennedy Riggin, Autumn Riggin, Nathan Tawes, and Lukas Tawes.  He is also survived by a niece, Stephanie Tawes Fykes and husband, Larry, and their daughter, Sarah.

The family would like to thank Bob's wonderful caregivers, Kendra Marshall, Laura Parks, Linda Barnes, Robin Hancock, and "Dinky" Laird.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 3 PM at Tawes Brothers Buick GMC, 4090 Crisfield Highway, Crisfield, MD 21817.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

The committal service will be on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 1 PM at St. Paul's Cemetery in Marion Station.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crisfield Fire Department, P.O. Box 591, Crisfield, MD 21817; or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home.  To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com