Cover photo for Kenneth Robinson's Obituary
Kenneth Robinson Profile Photo
1935 Kenneth 2021

Kenneth Robinson

March 30, 1935 — July 20, 2021

Alexandria, Minnesota

Kenneth LeRoy Robinson, the son of Willis and Jewell (Davis) Robinson, was born on March 30, 1935, in Walters, Oklahoma.  His very first attempt at flying was out of a tree at a very young age.  He landed on a board with a rusty nail in it, the infection spread, and he was in danger of losing his leg.  He was brought to the Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City where they saved his life.  Ken has felt indebted ever since.

Ken continued to try to fly by running out to the local airport near Lawton, OK, begging pilots to let him wash their airplanes, in exchange for a ride.  Eventually he became a favorite with the fliers and the small airport owner.  He was able to log enough hours flying, to fly solo, a long time before he was legal to drive an automobile.

Ken graduated from high school and then enlisted into the United States Air Force.  He loved planes and was excited to learn how to fly them all.  Ken worked his way to Master Sergeant in the Air Force as a flight engineer.  His military career allowed him to acquire every flying credential possible.  He served aboard airplanes during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helped refuel fighter aircraft over Vietnam and carry supplies on the air force’s cargo aircraft.  His USAF career would end after 20 years, with Ken teaching others how to fly via simulators located at Altus, OK.

Because of the Vietnam War, Ken met the love of his life, and future wife of 54 years, Mary Hanson, while passing through Hawaii on a training mission.  She was able to experience vicariously what fliers endured during those difficult years.  Ken’s military and commercial career allowed them to live in communities including, Charleston, SC (where he enjoyed sailing), Altus, OK, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (located on the Red Sea). Ken went back to college to obtain is Electronics degree all while flying commercially for numerous airlines including Saudi Arabian Airlines, Tower Airlines, Japan Airlines, and American Trans Air.  Ken traveled the world many times with his wife and enjoyed many places, but the sidewalk cafes of Paris he enjoyed the most.

Ken was a lifelong student of aviation history and WWII.  He was dedicated to his work, wife, and life.

Kenneth L. Robinson, died on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at his home at the age of 86 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Robinson of Alexandria.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dewayne Robinson, and Willis “Dubbs” Robinson.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Robinson, please visit our flower store.

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Thursday, July 29, 2021

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