Richard Leon Robinson

Richard Leon Robinson, age 85, of Somerville, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at his residence. Richard was born on October 1, 1939 in Wellington, (Lorain County) Ohio son of the late Ross D. & Rebecca T. (Gosling) Robinson. Richard completed 12 years of Public School with a diploma issued in 1957. Before graduation in 1955, he went to work part time for the Ohio Division of Wildlife on the Wellington Game Farm. This job consisted of care and maintenance of Ringneck Pheasants for release on specific hunting areas in Ohio.

He married D. Jane (Ewing) Robinson on May 23, 1958 in Wellington, Ohio. 

In April of 1960, he was transferred to Urbana Game Farm to help with the operation of the hatchery department. In June of 1964, he was transferred out of Wildlife Management and into Fish Management to go to Xenia, Ohio Fish Farm. There he raised Muskellunge for release into Wildlife Area Lakes in Southern Ohio. This operation was very successful; however, Richard’s heart was still in Wildlife Management. For that reason, he requested to move back into that field. In September of 1965, he was offered Rush Run Wildlife Area in Preble County, Ohio and moved to the headquarters there in October of that year. This was such a good fit that he remained on Rush Run until his retirement from ODNR in April of 1988. 

Richard then began working for Dunkelberger & Sons in Somerville, Ohio. After working “in the Mill” for several years he went over to the Lawn Mower Shop when Don started it at the Somerville location and moved with him to Collinsville when the business was divided out. There he used his experience with lawncare equipment and was able to continue sharpening blades and chains as a sub-contractor even after retiring from the shop there.

Shortly after moving to Preble County, Ohio, Richard joined the Somerville Volunteer Fire Department. Being well suited to Public Safety Response he moved up the ranks quickly and was appointed the Somerville Fire Chief in January of 1979. Fire Service became an important part of his life for over 50 years.

Preceded by his wife of 64 years, D. Jane (Ewing) Robinson in 2021.

Survived by his three sons, David L. & Theresa Robinson of Brookville, Indiana, Michael J. & Nancy Robinson of Oxford, Ohio and Steven J. Robinson of Richmond, Kentucky: three grandchildren, Tabitha K. & Andrew Wurzelbacher of Liberty Twp., Ohio, EmmaLee C. Robinson of Frankfort, Kentucky and Devan M. Robinson of Lexington, Kentucky. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Somerville Community Church, 207 Walnut Street, Somerville, Ohio. Interment will be in Fairmount Cemetery Camden, Ohio at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to One’s Favorite Charity. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home in Eaton, Ohio. Condolences at via www.barnesfuneralhome.com.