Howard Dee Robison

Howard "Dee" Robison, 69-year-old well known Vinita community leader, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. He was born on November 6, 1956, in Snyder, Texas to Howard Glenn and LaJuana Zoe (Robinson) Robison. Dee grew up in Vinita and was a 1975 graduate of Vinita High School. He was outstanding in track (Shot Put) and in football was an All-State Noseguard, he went to college at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he also received his bachelor's degree. Dee came back to Vinita and worked in the banking industry for many years, he also worked for Dr. Butner's eye care business, they also went into the Hydroponics Vegetable business. Dee also enjoyed taking care of his exotic plants at his home. He served the community in many capacities, he was a Paul Harris Fellow, involved in both Rotary and Lions Clubs, served on the board of Home of Hope, VIDA, and Make-A-Wish. He was also a member of the Langley First Baptist Church, where he taught classes and was very active in the church. Dee was proud of his hometown and wanted to promote it and keep it thriving. He also continued his roots and was a farmer and rancher at his family farm.
He was preceded by his parents, Glenn and LaJuana Robison and a sister, Kim Martin.
The family includes his children, Dustin Robison and wife Miranda, Denielle Shafer, and husband Tyler; all Vinita; grandchildren, Caden and Abigail Robison, Ellis Shafer; and his sister, Kelly Williams, and husband Jon of Grove; also, numerous other relatives and many friends.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral Home.
The celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Craig County Fairgrounds Community Center in Vinita, Pastors Davies Vanpool and Skip McClain will officiate. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita. Online Condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Friends may give in Dee's Memory to the Langley First Baptist Church. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."