Robert Collawn

Robert Harvey Collawn, 81, of Chance, Virginia, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Robert dedicated many years to farming while also serving as an Explosive Ordnance Test Mechanic at NSWC Dahlgren, where he retired after 36 years of dedicated civilian service.

A member of Enon Baptist Church and the Sugar Hill Hunt Club, Robert found great joy in the outdoors. Born and raised on Kendall’s Farm in Essex County, he developed a lifelong love for the land. He especially enjoyed tending his garden, deer hunting, and sharing fresh vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors. Robert was happiest on the farm he called home, where generations of memories were created.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, William Harvey Collawn and Annie Mae Elliott Collawn; his sister, Martha Ann Dishman; and his brothers, Eddie Lee Collawn and Marvin Collawn.

He leaves behind his wife, Linda Collawn; his daughters, Amy Collawn and Holly Collawn Dixson; his stepdaughter, Krystal Ambrose (Lee); his stepson, Frankie Sanford Jr.; his cherished grandchildren, Sarah Parker, Cayla Dixson, Frankie Sanford II., Graceleigh Ambrose, Sawyer Sanford, Joseph Ambrose, and Gunner Sanford; and his precious great-granddaughter, Nevaeh Smith. He is also survived by many extended family members, lifelong friends, and neighbors who will forever treasure his memory.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Marks-Bristow Funeral Home in Tappahannock. A funeral service celebrating Robert’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Marks-Bristow Chapel, with interment to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bowling Green.