Gordon Robinson

Gordon Doyle Robinson, age 75, of Decatur, MI passed away early Wednesday morning, May 22, 2013 at his residence. Gordon was born December 7, 1937 in Decatur, the son of Ruth (Phillips) and Roldo Robinson. He was diagnosed with Polio when he was 16 in 1953. He recovered from this episode and returned to Dowagiac High School where he played football. In 1955 when the vaccine was released, Gordon did not receive the vaccine because he allegedly built up immunity to the virus. He went on to college at Western Michigan University to study accounting. After developing weakness in his legs and a fever, within three days he lost control of his lower body due to his second round with Polio. He fought an amazing battle with the virus throughout his entire life. He rehabilitated himself, enabling him to finish his degree and work at an accounting job, purchase farm land, develop a strong faith in God, and provide for his brother, Ernie, who was also paralyzed. Gordon lived on his own, with private care to help during the evenings. He loved to fish, watch the birds, visit with family and friends on Sundays, and was such an upbeat, caring, compassionate and positive person. He is survived by one brother, Kent (Betty) Robinson of Burnsville, MN; one brother-in law, Jack Knight of Kalamazoo, MI; two sister-in-laws, Harriet Robinson of Decatur and Mary Lou Robinson of Dowagiac, MI and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, A.J., Leon, and Ernest Robinson and one sister, Elaine Knight. Funeral services will be held 10:00am, Wednesday, May 29th, 2013 at the Yazel-Clark Funeral Home, Dowagiac. Burial will follow in Crane Cemetery, Decatur. Family will receive friends from 5pm-7pm at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 28th. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Southwest Michigan.