December 27, 1932 – May 2, 2026
Clinton Dale “Robbie” Robinson, 93, of Bedford and formerly of Oolitic, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at his residence.
Born December 27, 1932, he was the son of Clinton L. and Tryphena “Mable” (Scott) Robinson. He married Marilyn Henderson on May 20, 1951, and she survives.
Dale was a 1951 graduate of Oolitic High School and a 1958 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1961, he earned his MBA in Management from the Indiana University Kelly School of Business. Dale spent over 35 years at Crane, where he retired as the Director of Applied Science and Ordnance Engineering. During his time as director, the department developed and earned the distinction from the Naval Ordnance Systems Command as the Center of Excellence for all Navy Pyrotechnics. He was also part of the Old Crowes, the original group who worked with electronic warfare.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy.
Dale was extremely active in his church and various other ministries throughout the community. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bedford for over 62 years, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, was active in the Stephen Ministry, was director of Lay Ministries, taught Sunday School, and led the youth group. First Baptist had also ordained him as a Pastor, and he served as a prison minister with Kairos Ministries. He had served as the Moderator for the Bedford Association of American Baptist Churches, had served as Moderator of the Board of Directors of ABC/IN & KY, and was active in the Emaus community, where he had been privileged to give each of the 15 talks, including to both the Lay and Clergy.
Dale also spent countless hours in service to the community, having served four terms on the North Lawrence Board of School Trustees, and was a charter member of the Oolitic Kiwanis Club, a member of the Mitchell Masonic Lodge #228, F&AM since 1954, Scottish Rite Shrine Club, Bedford Elks Club, Bedford Jaycees, Toastmasters, American Defense Preparedness Association, Gillen Post #33 of the American Legion, and various other clubs and defense organizations.
Surviving to continue Dale’s legacy is his wife of nearly 75 years, Marilyn; his daughter, Dalesa “Dee” Peters and her husband, Dwain, of Oolitic; his son, Eric Robinson and his wife, Cheryl, of Fishers; grandchildren, Eric Andrew “Drew” Robinson, Jacob Steven Robinson and his wife, Desiree, and Haley Nicole Blackenhorn and her husband Sam; one great-granddaughter, Lily Blackenhorn; his brother, Harold “Hal” Robinson; a sister, Carolyn Armstrong; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Mabel Robinson, and one son, Michael J. Robinson, in infancy.
Dale and Marilyn were especially thankful for the outpouring of love they received during their health struggles from their church family at First Baptist Church in Bedford.
Funeral Services for Clinton Dale “Robbie” Robinson will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1515 20th Street, in Bedford, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jason Filler, Rev. Lee Brown, and Rev. Dr. Kregg Burris officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Cresthaven Memory Gardens, Dixie Highway, Bedford, with Military Honors by the Honor Guard of Gillen Post #33 of the American Legion. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ferguson- Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 818 18th St., Bedford, and on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the First Baptist Church. Masonic Rites will be held on Friday, May 8, at Ferguson-Lee Chapel in Bedford.
In place of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church in Bedford in Dale’s memory.
The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been chosen to care for Dale and his family during this difficult time.
Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.
