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Reaford Robinson Obituary

Col. Reaford L. "Robbie" Robinson

92, Indianapolis, passed away on February 10, 2013. He was born December 4, 1920 in Dustin, Oklahoma. Col. Robinson had a most interesting and distinguished military career, serving on active duty from 1940-1970. Entering active duty on July 29, 1940 as a horse cavalry Private in the 1st Cavalry Division, Horse, Fort Bliss, Texas, Robbie received his basic training with "A" Troop, 8th Cavalry Regiment. He was one of the last officers in the Army to be commissioned as a Horse Cavalryman. As a member of the 104th Infantry Division, Robbie departed Fort Carson in August 1944 and went directly from the Port of New York to reinforce Omaha Beach in the Normandy Beachhead. The 104th Division was the first American unit to enter Germany and as a part of the VII Corps, it was on the American left flank during the Battle of the Bulge. On January 15, 1945, Robbie left the 104th Division and was assigned to the 113th Armored Cavalry Group as a tank company commander. This unit was a part of the first American unit to make contact with the Russians on the east bank off the Elbe River. In July 1945, he was assigned to Berlin as a member of General Clay's staff of the US Office of Military Government, Germany, and stayed in Germany until September 1949. Col. Robinson completed 30 years of military service at Fort Benjamin Harrison from 1967-1970 as Executive Officer and later as Commander of the US Army Enlisted Evaluation Center. He was a member of the Mystic Circle Lodge F. & A.M. #685, the Scottish Rite Valley, the Murat Temple, and the Sojourners, where he served as Chapter President, followed by service as "Heroes of '76" Commander of Panama Canal Zone Chapter #21 (1953-55), Langley Chapter #310 (1959-61), Kentucky Chapter #134 (1965-66), and Fort Benjamin Harrison Chapter #393 (1967-68). Robbie is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Rita Robinson, who was by his side, holding his hand as he left this world quietly in his sleep; his daughter, Darlene Owens (Bill); his son, Dr. Walter S. Robinson; his grandsons, Sgt. Allan R. Montgomery and Andrew D. Montgomery; and his great-grandsons, Zachary A. Montgomery and Phoenix Montgomery. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Flanner and Buchanan - Lawrence , 5215 N. Shadeland Avenue, where a Masonic service will be conducted at 2 p.m. and military honors will be given at 3 p.m. Cremation will be accorded, with burial in Arlington National Cemetery. A tribute to Col. Robinson's life may be viewed at http://www.flannerbuchanan.com, where condolences may be shared with his family.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Feb. 14, 2013.
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Please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of this dedicated serviceman, husband, and father. A true patriot, America's history continues to be written because of the legacy of selfless contribution and dedication to national service demonstrated by the life of this American soldier, husband, and father. May you find true happiness in legacy of the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. Charles W. Henley, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) U.S. Cavalry

Charles (Chuck) Henley

February 15, 2013

May you continue to feel the love and support of family and friends as you celebrate a life that was well lived.

C Johnson

February 14, 2013

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