Herbert Daniel Robinson, 74, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died on Aug. 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, laughter, adventure and service to others.
A celebration of life honoring Mr. Robinson will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. at Living Word Lutheran Church, located at 2031 W. Northwest Hwy., in Grapevine, TX. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating his life. A reception and lunch will follow the service at the church. There will be no formal visitation or burial service.
Mr. Robinson was born on April 28, 1952, in McAllen, TX. His life took him across the country, but wherever he went, he built relationships, made friends and left a lasting impact on those around him.
When he was still a young toddler, his family moved back to Litchfield, where his parents had graduated, married, and where his grandparents still lived. He was the second of seven children and grew up surrounded by family and the close-net community of Litchfield. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church there.
He had excelled throughout grade school and high school, both academically and athletically. He was a star athlete, natural leader and honor student, earning the distinction of Mr. LHS among the graduating class of 1970. His early years reflected the drive, leadership and love of people that would continue to define his life.
Mr. Robinson met the love of his life, Paula, while attending Eastern Illinois University. He was a proud member of the TKE fraternity, while his wife was a member of Tri Sigma sorority. Their college romance grew into a 53-year marriage filled with love, family, adventure and countless memories. She was truly the love of his life.
At just 20 years old, he began working for Burlington Northern Railroad, starting at the very bottom, literally nailing tracks to the ground. Through hard work, determination and natural leadership, he steadily worked his way up. His career took the family from Illinois to Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota and eventually back home to Texas. He ultimately became vice president of Northern Lines and Network Design for Burlington Northern Railroad, a remarkable journey that reflected his work ethic, leadership and determination to build a wonderful life for his family.
Mr. Robinson retired from the railroad at just 44 years young to spend more time with family and travel with his wife, but retirement was never really his style. He and his wife later opened Madison’s Avenue, a children’s boutique in Southlake, TX, where their daughter Katey worked alongside them. He later served as vice president of Customer Relations for Tax Tech (TTI) and eventually joined Envision Group as a senior sales and customer service representative. He simply wasn’t one to sit still for long.
But his greatest accomplishment was never his career, it was his family and the people he loved. He was “Uncle Herbie” to many and the creator of the infamous Robinson “Cuzin Camp”, bringing aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins together in Texas each summer for time at the family’s log cabin on Lake Bridgeport and crazy adventures around the state. He loved Fish Camp with the men in his family and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his TCU Horned Frogs with Heather.
Mr. Robinson and his wife raised three children: Heather, Chris (Skyler) and Katey (Chad Hubbard). He absolutely adored being grandpa to Caleb, Lizzie, Ashton, Georgia, Kai, Brooks, Gabriel and Jameson. He showed up for his grandchildren, cheered from the sidelines, took them fishing, taught them about God’s love and made being part of their lives a priority. His presence meant so much because everyone knew he wasn’t there because he had to be. He was there because he wanted to be.
Then there was Oakley, the Robinson’s sweet new dog. The two quickly became best buddies, sharing their 4 a.m. time together on the patio while Mr. Robinson did his devotional and Oakley snuggled beside him.
He was a man of deep and genuine faith and a member of Living Word Lutheran Church. He served in numerous mission trips while his children were growing up, but his faith was perhaps most evident in the way he treated people every day. He didn’t simply talk about loving others; he lived it. He was kind, generous, eternally optimistic and always willing to lend a hand. He loved people exactly where they were and made them feel welcome.
Mr. Robinson knew how to have fun. Whether it was a funny hat, a joke, a great story or his ability to turn an ordinary moment into something memorable, he brought laughter wherever he went. He loved adventure, music, cooking, basketball, softball, fishing, golf and sports of all kinds. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play, proudly cheering them on and, as many knew very well, serving as the ultimate scorekeeper.
Mr. Robinson is survived by his wife of 53 years, Paula Robinson; his three children, Heather, Chris (Skyler) and Katey (Chad Hubbard); his grandchildren, Caleb, Lizzie, Ashton, Georgia, Kai, Brooks, Gabriel and Jameson; his beloved dog, Oakley; and his six siblings, Robby, Cindy, Rex, Scott, Babs and Shari; along with countless extended family members; and friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara Robinson Quade and Max Robinson; his niece, Zoe Robinson; and his nephew, Eli Robinson.
Mr. Robinson’s greatest legacy is not found in the positions he held, the places he lived or the things he accomplished, it is found in his faithfulness to God, his deep love for his family and the countless lives he touched along the way.
He loved fiercely. He served willingly. He laughed often. He believed deeply. He showed up. And he made the world brighter and more joyful simply by being in it. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again. We love you. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mr. Robinson’s memory may also consider making a donation to Union Gospel Mission, an organization close to his heart where he spent many hours serving and caring for those experiencing homelessness. A gift is a meaningful way to carry forward Mr. Robinson’s heart for serving others. One may use this link: ugm-tc.donorsupport.co. For those wishing to send flowers, arrangements may be sent to Living Word Lutheran Church in Mr. Robinson’s honor at www.devindesignsflowers.com.
