Obituary

Eugene Alexander Robinson, 85, of Avilla died Sunday, October 24, 2010, in Provena Sacred Heart Home, Avilla.

Mr. Robinson received a degree in communications from Valparaiso University. He was a graduate of Purdue University and Ball State University where he received a bachelor's degree in education and counseling and a master's degree in education.

He was a radio broadcaster for WAWK in Kendallville where he was known as "Jolly Green Gene". He was also a broadcaster for WLNB in Ligonier and various other radio stations across the country. He was a teacher, high school counselor, and a marketing director at the Bowen Center. He worked at Thunderbird in Decatur, and retired from Dometic.

He served with the Merchant Marines and the Navy Seabees. He flew for the Navy as a navigator, and was a journalist and communications expert aboard Navy ships, including the Coral Sea, the George Washington, and the Kitty Hawk. He began his military career by serving in World War II, and concluded his career in Desert Storm.

Growing up in New York state, he was an altar boy in the Catholic Church. Later in life, he attended the Lutheran Church. He was a member of the VFW Post 2749 in Kendallville, the VFW Post in Ontario, and American Legion Post 0423 in Orland.

His hobbies included downhill skiing, cross country skiing, hiking, running, golfing, and crossword puzzles. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and the four-string ukelele.

He was born December 31, 1924, in Lakawana, New York, to Samuel and Constance Robchina. He married Nadine Mace in 1985 in LaGrange.

Surviving are his wife, Nadine Mace-Robinson of Indianapolis; a son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Marla Robinson of Kendallville, two daughters and a son-in-law, Robin Esterline of Marysville, Ohio and Rebecca and Bruce Snyder, of Stewart, Florida; a stepson, Doug Harp of Mesa, Arizona; four stepdaughters, Schodi Irvin of Anthem, Arizona, Schamberle and Tim Williams of Kendallville, Tamela and Terry Mautner of Indianapolis, and Kimberle and Michael Ferris of Bermuda Dunes, California; 16 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and his mother-in-law, Mary I Mace of Syracuse.

He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Robchina; his mother, Constance Malnati; his stepfather, Rene Malnati; and a son, Jeffory Robinson.

Graveside services will be Friday, October 29, 2010, at 3 p.m. in Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville, with Chaplain Tom Novy of Provena Sacred Heart Home officiating. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 2749, Kendallville.

Calling is Wednesday, October 27, 2010, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville.

Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com