Donald Robinson, Sr.

Donald P. Robinson, Sr, age 94, of Park Village, Dover and formerly of Freeport, died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife, while in the care of Ohio’s Hospice’s Truman House at New Philadelphia, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Born in Cairo, West Virginia on August 6, 1931, Don was a son of the late Rolen O. and Hazel I. Layfield Robinson.

After graduating from Cairo High School, Don continued his education at Glenville State College and ultimately obtained a Master's of Education from WVU. He proudly served his country during the Korean War as a member of the United States Air Force.

On November 30, 1957, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Byesville, Don married the love of his life and helpmate for the past 67 years, the former Joan McJessy. Together the couple raised nine children and were devoted members of St. Mathias Catholic Church at Freeport for more than 50 years. Most recently, the couple’s faith was nurtured at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover.

Don spent many years as an educator having worked for Rushville, Fresno, and Fairfield Union schools prior to taking on a 17-year career with the former Lakeland High School where he retired as the school’s principal. During his years in education, however, Don took great pride in helping students be their best as he coached baseball and basketball.

In his retirement years, Don enjoyed driving truck, gardening, woodworking, and keeping his family, especially his wife, up to date on current events and politics. Ever the student, Don spent his lifetime as an avid reader and loved learning about a variety of topics. Most of all, Don enjoyed being at home and being surrounded by his family.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by children, Joyce (Jeff) Day of Byesville, Don (Linda) Robinson, Jr. of New Philadelphia, Bob (Chris) Robinson, David (Colleen) Robinson all of Tippecanoe, Kathy (Jeff) Tarbert of Fairborn, Ohio, Linda (Kevin) Jones of Cambridge, Michael Robinson, Rebecca Marshall both of Indiana, and Jill (Andy) Clay of Freeport; 25 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Completing the family is a brother, George “Larry” (Laura) Robinson of Cincinnati, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, three infant brothers, Ralph, Robert, and Rolen Jr.; two sisters, Catherine Paugh, and Elaine Bradley, and a brother, Jim Robinson.

The family will greet guests on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 4 – 7 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where a Christian Wake Service will begin at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Father Jimmy Hatfield, will take place on Tuesday, September 9, at 11 AM in the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover. A meal will be shared in the church’s Family Life Center immediately following the service. Burial, with military honors being performed by the Newcomerstown Veterans Honor Guard, will begin on Tuesday at 2 PM in the Greenmount Union Cemetery in Freeport.