Obituary of Kenneth Lee Robinson

     Kenneth Lee Robinson, 99, of Bradenton, Florida passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023 at Tidewell Hospice in Lakewood Ranch.

Ken grew up in Walbridge, Ohio and graduated from Walbridge High School in 1942. He went to work as a Longshoreman for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad immediately following graduation. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in November of 1942.

On May 31, 1944, while on furlough, he married his high school sweetheart, Iris Cavanaugh. Ken was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa waiting to be deployed as a gunner when the war ended.

After his honorable discharge from the Army Air Force, Ken returned to his job as a Longshoreman for the CSX Railroad. He became a welder, oiler, assistant foreman, and later, a foreman.

Ken and Iris raised four children; Charlotte, James, Sally and John, whom they were very proud of.

Ken had many hobbies. He was an avid sportsman who thoroughly enjoyed hunting in Northwest Ohio and several trips out west. His grizzly bear made it into the Boone & Crockett World’s Record Gallery. He was an amateur taxidermist as well as a fisherman in Lake Erie, Canada and “Snook Alley” in Florida. He took pride in wood-working, creating several pieces, including walnut furniture and a grandfather clock. He took up stained glass, making numerous Tiffany-style shades as gifts for family members. Ken also looked forward to playing cards and pool with family and friends. He was a man of his word, and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving children - daughter, Charlotte (Garry) Saffran of Walbridge, Ohio; son, James (Irene) Robinson, of Maumee, Ohio; daughter Sally (Steve) McWilliams of Peachtree City, Georgia; son, John (Carolyn) Robinson of Lake Kiowa, Texas; and friend and caregiver, Elizabeth Albritton, of Parrish, Florida (who became like another daughter); his 14 grandchildren - Stacey (Mike) Cline, Craig (Debbie) Saffran, Renee (Brad) Delventhal, Kelly (Tim Karcher) Latz, Matt (Julie) Robinson, Jeffrey Sr. (Linette) Johns, Terry (Tracey) Johns, Bret (Lee) Johns, Andrew (Carrie) McWilliams, Jared McWilliams, Adam McWilliams, Lee (Louise) Robinson, Ben (Grace) Robinson, Matt (Aubrie) Robinson; as well as 29 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife Iris and his parents, Lee and Hazel Robinson.

Our family couldn’t be more grateful to Elizabeth Albritton for her loving care towards Ken right up until his passing. We also appreciate his wonderful neighbors, Irene Ryan,  Jim and Cindy McKee, Heather Hatlee, John and Nancy Martin, Star Walters and the many others from Braden Castle for their wonderful support.