Robert Hughs Pinson

Robert Hughs Pinson passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, in Lacey, Washington. He was 90 years old. Born on May 23, 1935, in Ashland, Oregon, Robert was the son of Robert H. Pinson and Eva B. Hughs. He grew up with a strong sense of purpose and service that would define the course of his life. Robert married Kaye A. Tucker on August 30, 1958, in Dunsmuir, California. Later, he married Roberta D. Floyd on August 3, 1991, in Lacey, Washington. He and Roberta made their home in the Lacey/Olympia area for the past 35 years, where they built a life rooted in service, community, and family. Robert earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, in 1959, followed by his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University's College of Optometry in 1960. He later completed a Master of Arts degree at Central Michigan University in 1978 and graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Course in 1977. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1992, dedicating more than three decades to military optometry. His assignments included Fort Lewis, Washington (1961–1964); Fort Richardson, Alaska (1965–1968); Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland (1969–1971); Okinawa, Japan (1971–1973); Fort Knox, Kentucky (1974–1977); Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii (1977–1980); Fort Sill, Oklahoma (1980–1983); Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas (1983–1990); and Madigan Army Medical Center, Washington (1990–1992). Following his retirement from active duty, he continued serving as a Consulting Optometrist for the U.S. Army from 1992 to 1995. Service extended well beyond his military career. An Eagle Scout in his youth, Robert remained devoted to Scouting throughout his life, serving with the Pacific Harbors Council and its Olympic District to coordinate Eagle Scout advancement and conduct Eagle Boards of Review. He was a dedicated member of the Lacey Sunrise Lions Club from 1996 until his passing, serving as President and Zone Chairman. In 2004, he founded the Northwest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center and served as its President, helping to improve vision care access for countless individuals. He was also an active member of the American Optometric Association, the Armed Forces Optometric Association, a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States. Robert was a man who liked to stay busy. He enjoyed boating and even built his own ski boat. A skilled craftsman, he constructed an MG Roadster kit car and built a three-car garage, in addition to lending his construction skills to community volunteer projects. He and Roberta embraced RV life and traveled throughout the United States. He was an enthusiastic collector and curator of N-gauge model railroad equipment and was also a licensed ham radio operator. He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta Pinson of Lacey, Washington, his son Dr. Robert Pinson and wife Diana of Amarillo, Texas, and their children Clint, Sara, and Joey; his son David Pinson of Manchaca, Texas, and his children Mitchell, Tyler, Corey, and Mindy Whitco; his daughter Cheryl Searcy and husband Craig of Anchorage, Alaska, and their children Lara and Shockley; his step-daughter Donna Kendrick and husband Dr. William L. Kendrick of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and their daughter Jessica Ross; his step-son George Robert Floyd and wife Shelley Phillips of The Villages, Florida, and their daughter Becky Hesse; and his step-son John Daniel Henry of Houston, Texas, and his children Zachary and Samantha. Robert also had 8 great-grandchildren. A graveside service with military honors will be held on February 13, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042. Robert's life was marked by dedication-to his country, his profession, his community, and his family. He leaves behind a legacy of service, craftsmanship, and steady commitment that will continue to inspire those who knew him.