PROPHETSTOWN – Donald Blake “Robbie” Robinson, 82, of Prophetstown, died Monday, May 30, 2011, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling.
He was born Sept. 14, 1928, in Washburn, the son of Ethel and Clay Robinson.
After the age of 2, he was raised at the Salem Children’s Home, Flanagan, and later at Chaddock Boys School, Quincy.
At age 15, he joined the Merchant Marines and served on a Liberty Ship carrying supplies to soldiers fighting in Europe. He married Colleen Beer of Roanoke on Dec. 15, 1950. She preceded him in death on Feb. 25, 1998.
Robbie spent more than 50 years of his working life in the car business and retired as owner of Robbie’s Ford, Prophetstown.
Robbie is survived by his children, Cathy (Rod) Kirby of Champaign, Dave (Mary) Robinson of Lyndon, and Doug Robinson of Springfield; and by three granddaughters, Erin Kirby of Champaign, Leah Kirby of Raleigh, N.C., and Ann Robinson of St. Louis. He also is survived by one sister, Anne, of Pennsylvania, who was adopted at birth. Through diligent effort, he contacted her in recent years and was delighted to meet her.
He also was preceded in death by his brothers, Curtis, Harold, and John; and his sisters, Mary Lois and Ruth.
A celebration of his life will take place in Prophetstown at a later date. His body was donated to the University of Iowa for medical study. Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home, Prophetstown.
The family requests that gifts in his memory be sent to Chaddock, 205 S. 24th St., Quincy, IL 62301.