GREENWOOD
Robert (Bob or Robbie) Robison, age 94, passed away in his sleep June 24, 2021. Bob was preceded in death by his loving life mate and wife of almost 66 years Aileen “Bobbie” (Campbell) Robison (May 16, 2014); son Charles Eugene Robison (July 11, 1950) and siblings, Ralph Robison, Glen Robison and Martha Robison.
Bob was born April 17, 1927 in Sellersburg, Indiana and raised on the family homestead farm outside of New Washington, Indiana. He was one of six children of Icle and Laura Lea (Brisben) Robison and loved all things farming. As a child during the depression Bob would take on tough tasks like saving animals near death and nurturing them back to a healthy life. He excelled academically and played sports at New Washington High School. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corp. and was stationed in China. He became a part of the “China Marines” stationed in Tien-Sien, China in World War II and was proud of his United States Marine Corp Service. He went to several “China Marines” reunions and was a member of the China Marine Association. After his time overseas he was stationed at Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, CA. While there, he met and began to date Bobbie in Lakewood Village, CA. They were married on July 4, 1948. After Bob’s honorable discharge, they moved to Indiana, where they lived the rest of their lives. They had sons, Charles, Lee, Steve, Dave, Jim, Don and Australian son, Peter.
Bob’s service to mankind did not end with his tour of duty overseas. He worked as a research scientist for Eli Lilly and Cook Pharmaceuticals for over 50 years and holds 7 international patents for medical products such as Keflex; Keflan; Vancomycin; Oncovin; and a medical device used to inject liquid drugs into IV’s, as well as other products. He loved his research and up until very recently continued to think and research ways to cure Alzheimer’s and Cancer. He cherished the lifetime friendships from his time at Lilly and Cook.
He also never left the farm and Bob and Bobbie along with their sons were innovators in soil conservation, being one of the first farms in Indiana to use no-till and cover crops. (The Robison family has been farming in the United States for over 230 years). The farm grew very large, with operations in six counties.
His academic career ended nine hours short of a PhD at Purdue University. His undergraduate degrees were from Hanover College and Butler University and his graduate school in Pharmacy was at Butler University. Academic achievement was very important to Bob and he encouraged his children and grandchildren to obtain degrees and continue training to stay on top of their chosen fields.
Bob was also involved in the Whiteland Little League and Babe Ruth baseball organizations as a coach and a board member.
He is survived by sons and their wives. Lee (Shari), Steve (Brenda), Dave (Sally), Jim (Cheryl), and Don (Julie); Australian son, Peter ( Julie) Stacey; his grandchildren, Michelle Robison (Daniel) Critser, Mark (Kristi) Robison, Ryan Robison, Laura Robison, Susan Robison (Mihai) Tetel, Charles (Nataly) Robison, Henry (Ellen) Robison, Grace Robison, Martha Robison, William Robison, Edward Robison, Barton Robison, Abby Robison (Patrick) McGill, Alex Robison, Jeffrey Robison, Michael (Alayna) Robison, Andrew Robison, Ben (Mandi) Robison, Alexandra (Luke) Gesler, James Stacey and 7 great grandchildren and two on the way. He is also survived by sister, Jane (Kenneth) Dreyer of Roanoke, Virginia and sister Barbara Lee of Ridgeville, Indiana and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was a long-time member of Greenwood Christian Church and was involved in Sunday school and went on many Seniors’ group trips. Bob and Bobbie hosted Sunday School class parties at their farm in the big red barn built in the 1800’s.
Viewing will be observed at Greenwood Christian Church, 2045 Averitt Road on Monday evening from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM. The Rev Shan Rutherford will conduct the funeral service Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the church, with additional visitation one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, where military rites will be conducted. Arrangements were entrusted to G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to support Bob’s granddaughter who is currently a missionary in South Sudan. Please make checks out to the Wycliffe ministry of Laura Robison # 23856 at Wycliffe Bible Translators P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862 or to Greenwood Christian School, 2045 Averitt Road, Greenwood, IN 46143.
Please share memories, photographs and condolences with the family at www.ghherrmann.com.
