Don Earl Robinson

Don Earl Robinson, 84, of Union, died on Friday, July 10, at his residence. Don was born June 4, 1931 in Seattle, to Lemuel Irl and Iola Agnes (Childers) Robinson.

Don moved around the western United States during the Great Depression and the 1940’s with his parents. He graduated high school in Yakima, in 1949 and then attended Whitworth College in Spokane, the first 2 years. While at Whitworth he met his wife, Joan Joyce Schoesler, whom he married March 22, 1951.

Don and Joan were married 64 years until his death.

Don graduated from Willamette University in Salem, OR in 1953; he lived with his family in Salem until 1980, when he and Joan moved to Union, OR.

From 1953 until death, Don sold life insurance, working several decades with Business Men’s Assurance (BMA) of Kansas City, MO. From 1956, he raised cattle, first in Salem, then in Union County, OR from 1970 onwards.

Don enjoyed ranching, drawing and sketching, reading books, history, studying the Bible, church planting and support, and gardening.

He loved the beauty of the land and animals, riding horses and fishing.

Don was a top athlete, holding the Washington State record for the javelin in the late 1940’s. He was also a talented baseball pitcher.

Though offered a pitcher position with the Cleveland Indians farm team, he declined, choosing marriage and children over career.

Don was a lifetime member of Conservative Baptist churches wherever he lived.

Don was a real people person who enjoyed bringing people together. He loved helping others reach their goals, especially financial and spiritual.

He had a pastor’s heart, helping plant and grow churches, teaching Bible classes and encouraging others in their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Asked what advice about life he wanted others to remember, Don wrote:

Always have God as your partner, every day spend time in prayer, read God’s word and ask God for wisdom, treat others the way you would want to be treated, be thankful for what you have, who you are and where you live, enjoy every day – it could be your last

Don is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Kyle Don Robinson and his wife Tammy of Cove, OR, Marsha Jo Husbands and her husband Ed of Union, OR and Dirk Robinson of Boise, ID; 4 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and 4 nieces and nephews.

A casual dress Celebration of Life will be held at the Intermountain Livestock Inc., 60654 Livestock Road on the corner of McAlister and Hwy 30, on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Samaritan’s Purse or Riding High Ministries, Inc., in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 4th Street, La Grande, OR 97850.

Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com.