Gorman Robinson

GORMAN WILLIAM ROBINSON

Mechanicsville

Gorman William Robinson, 100, died Dec. 24, 2016, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living Center in Tipton, Iowa. Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence, with a Masonic service beginning at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at First Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsville on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Jim Goodrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Stanwood Cemetery.

Gorman was born to William and Edith Ilsley Robinson on Dec. 9, 1916, on the family farm north of Mechanicsville. In the late 1930s, Gorman met Fay Ropa of Stanwood at Highway Gardens, and they married in 1941. The two of them would be married for almost 74 years until her death in January of 2015.

Gorman was a farmer in the Mechanicsville area his entire life. Gorman attended Hazel Hill Country School, which was in walking distance from his family farm, and he graduated from Mechanicsville High School in 1935. Gorman was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Mechanicsville, Mechanicsville Lions Club, Mechanicsville Masonic Temple and El Kahir Shrine. He was a member of Hillcrest Country Club for over 35 years. Gorman loved the game of golf, taught his daughter how to play, and played the game until he was 96 years old. He also was very involved with the community and helped create the new elementary school that was built north of Mechanicsville.

Gorman also was a woodworker, making a lot of furniture and household items, but he was best known for making clocks, many from the wood from his own farm.

Just this month, Gorman reached a milestone in turning 100 years old. His daughter held a birthday celebration that included almost 150 people. Many pictures, mementos and memories were shared. It was a joyous occasion in which the family was so pleased he was able to enjoy.

Gorman is survived by his daughter, Kay Robinson, and son-in-law, Jack Robinson Jr., of Austin Texas; sister, Corrine Betcher of Davenport, Iowa; and brothers, Victor and his wife, Mary Jean Robinson, Casper and his wife, Geralene Robinson, and Calvin and his wife, Francis Robinson. He also is survived by his farming partner for 39 years, nephew, Carl, and his wife, Cheryl Robinson, all from the Mechanicsville area. Gorman also is survived by many nieces and nephews, who were all very special to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edith Robinson; wife, Fay (Ropa) Robinson; brother, Narvis and his wife, Jenny Robinson; brother, Quentin and his wife, Dorothy Robinson; brother-in-law, Marvin Betcher; and two nieces.

Memorials may be directed to the Mechanicsville Fire and Ambulance Department or the First Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsville.

Gorman's daughter would like to thank her wonderful family, friends and caretakers over Gorman's lifetime who have been there for her. Very special thanks go to the employees at Prairie Hills who were such caring and giving people to her dad. Your care for Gorman will never be forgotten.

Online condolences may be left at www.chapmanfh.com.