Donald Robertson
Donald Lee Robertson, 80, of Glass Street in Hornbeak, died unexpectedly but peacefully in his recliner at home on Sunday, June 9, 2018.
Don was born on May 22, 1938, son to the late Robert Lee and Cathey (Blackley) Robertson, in Hornbeak, where he very proudly and happily lived for his entire life.
He went to school in Hornbeak graduating high school with the class of 1956. He worked for many years in his Uncle Dwight’s dealership, Blackley Chevrolet, gaining a knowledge and love for cars that would carry on throughout his life.
He served in the U.S. Army for two years starting at Fort Leonardwood and met his future wife, Patricia Lily McVay, while stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. They were married on Aug. 31, 1963, at Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in El Paso and shared over 50 years together until the time of Pat’s passing on March 10, 2014.
They made their home in Hornbeak raising two sons. Don converted to the Catholic faith and was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Union City.
He worked at Sylvania and took an opportunity to go to school for his teaching certification. Following which, he taught auto mechanics, and later autobody, at Obion County Central High School and at the Obion County Vocational Center in Union City.
He retired with over 30 years teaching in the Obion County School System. During that time he also drove a school bus and everyone knew you didn’t mess around on Mr. Robertson’s bus.
He operated Robertson’s Auto Service for many years out of his shop next to the family home, and in the mid 80s took up studies for his private pilot’s license. It was soon after that he and one of his best friends, Bill Dean, began a venture painting aircraft out of a rented hanger space at the Everett-Stewart Airport. This allowed them the opportunity to purchase and restore at 1940s era Stinson Taildragger. This was one of the highlights of his life.
Following retirement, he fulfilled a long time dream of driving a big rig and delivered fuel for Roger’s Oil Company for a number of years.
He was a talker and was very happy to strike up a conversation with nearly anyone, usually finding common ground quite easily. He was known to stop in at Charles Harris’ Barber Shop in town on a regular basis to catch up on the local wisdom.
He was most proud of his sons and their families as anyone who spoke with him knew without doubt. He is survived by his son, Lawrence and wife, Kimberly; and their two sons, Cameron and Adam, all of Smyrna; his son, Stephen and wife, Helen of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and their eight children, Elizabeth Merritt of St. Johnsbury, Mary, Michael & Patrick Robertson of Newport, N.H., Rebecca, Anna, Joseph and Simon Robertson of St. Johnsbury; two great-grandchildren, Hope and Abraham Merritt; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Joey Kaump at 10 a.m. Monday, June 18, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Union City. Following a reception, burial will take place at the Hornbeak City Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday at Edmaiston-Mosley Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday in Hornbeak City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Charles Harris, Jimmy Harris, Sherrill Williams, Ronny Yoes, Adam Robertson and Cameron Robertson.
His family offers many thanks to his friends and neighbors in Hornbeak who helped him at home and brought him to appointments. He was far more grateful than you will ever know.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.emfuneralhome.com or by mail to Lawrence, 529 Johnstown Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167, and Stephen, 525 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Published 6.11.18