Gary Martin Robinson

Gary Martin Robinson, age 79, of Knoxville, IA, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his home. Gary was born on August 28, 1946, in Great Lakes, IL, to Robert L. and Therese Barrett Robinson. As the eldest of eight siblings, Gary spent his early years moving between Illinois, San Diego, Charleston, and Cocoli, Panama, because his father served in the Navy. After his father retired, the family settled on their farm in Iowa, arriving on Gary’s 13th birthday in 1959. Gary attended Lovilia School through his freshman year of high school before transferring to Albia High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1965. He joined the Army that December and served in Vietnam with the 1st Calvary Division- a life-changing experience, as described by his family. After his military service, Gary earned a degree in sociology from UNI and held various jobs, eventually retiring from the VA Hospital in Knoxville. Though he never married, he cherished his two dogs: Buzzy, a boxer, and Serendipity (Sara), a terrier-chihuahua mix. He owned his home in Knoxville and treasured family gatherings. Sports were a lifelong passion- he especially loved the New York Yankees in the 1960s and remained devoted to all sports, particularly cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Gary enjoyed photography, watching sports, and spending time outdoors. He took pride in his farming background and fondly remembered both working in the fields and socializing with friends in Lovilia. In his later years he loved antiquing and frequenting secondhand stores. During his time in California, Gary worked as a newspaper boy and liked to recount a story in which actor Glenn Ford offered him an autograph in exchange for a paper, but Gary insisted on getting the dime instead- unaware of Ford’s fame until others explained. Gary is survived by his sisters, Mary (Richard) Barnard, Karen (Jerry) Fontinel, Linda (Douglas) Yates, and Janet Robinson; brothers, Ray (Nenette), Carl (Pam), and Mark (Amy) Robinson; nephews, Derek and Darin Barnard, Tony Fontinel, Ian & Caelan Robinson, Cory, Blake & Brandon Billings; nieces, Angela Coe, Denise Barnard, April Delaney, Macenzie Summers, Mollie Sances, Kimberly Yates, Emilee Robinson; as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews who mourn his passing. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Therese; his grandparents, Maurice and Isabel Barrett and Morgan and Bertha Robinson; and a sister-in-law, Katherine True Robinson. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Gary’s family present to greet family and friends. Military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose, and Lovilia, will be held at 4:00 p.m. outside the Tharp Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow with Christian Summers officiating. Burial will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA, at a later date. A memorial has been established to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

Gary Martin Robinson

August 28, 1946 - November 6, 2025