Wendell "Robbie" Robinson

Wendell Dale “Robbie” Robinson was born June 19, 1929 in Knoxville, Iowa the son of Charles Mark and Dora Ellen (Wilson) Robinson.

He attended school in the Rising Sun Neighborhood and graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1947. Following graduation, Robbie enlisted in the Army (a two-year senior trip). After his discharge from the Army, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Korean Theater of operation during that conflict. On May 17, 1953 Robbie was united in marriage to Lilly Mary Presley and to this union three children were born: Michael, Kelly and Kathy. After the death of Lilly, he was united in marriage to Nellie DeMoss on New Years Eve 1981 at the Christian Church in Knoxville. Following Nellie’s death Robbie was united in marriage to Phyllis Rees on March 1, 1996 at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville.

Robbie’s first job was at Sarten’s Meat Market for 15₵ an hour. He later asked for a raise to 25₵ an hour and was told by his boss, “it is difficult for a businessman to make a profit paying those high wages”. He also worked for John Crawford and Paul Den burger at their service stations. Robbie retired from the Knoxville V.A. Hospital in January of 1988 after 40 years of service. Following his retirement, he worked for his friend, Jerry Zager at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. He then drove a HIRTA van for Community Action for 11 years. Robbie then returned to Bybee & Davis Funeral Home working for Ray Bertrand. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, V.F.W. John Myers Post #3519, American Legion Baty-Tucker Post No. 168 and the Masonic Lodge.

Robbie passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at West Ridge Specialty Care at the age of 96 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; a sister; wives, Lilly and Nellie; infant daughter Kelly and granddaughter, Maggie Morris.

Those left to cherish Robbie’s memory include his wife, Phyllis; son, Michael (Chris) Robinson of Pella; daughter, Kathy Robinson of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; son, Michael Cook of Madison, Wisconsin; daughters: Julie Morris of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Wanda (Bob) Chocas of Knoxville, Iowa, Cheryl (Doug) Harvey of Pleasantville, Iowa, Jessie (D.J.) Bryant of West Des Moines, Iowa, Janet (Steve) Martenson of Belvedere, Illinois, Suzanne Wagner of Knoxville, Iowa and Tricia (Larry) Rowland of Monroe, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren all of whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church.