Robert Joe Robinson Sr

Robert Joe Robinson Sr., born on June 19, 1931 in Denver, Colorado passed away on July 24, 2025 at his home in Sacramento, California at the age of 94.

Bob, as he was affectionately known, grew up in Colorado. He loved to play Baseball and for those who do not know, was a Roller-Skating Champion in his youth. Colorado is where he met his loving wife of 65 years, Betty. When they were dating, he loved to take her out drinking and dancing and towards the end of the night some drag racing was usually involved. This is where his need for speed started, along with him starting a family legacy of racing. He raced stock cars at Englewood Speedway and Lakeside Speedway in Colorado. He won numerous races and passed his love of racing on to his nephews Bill, Jack Jr., and Scott Backman, his son Robert (Bobby), his grandson Casey and his great-grandson Ryan.

Bob was known for being kind, funny, quick witted, and stubborn at times, but most of all for his generosity, gift for gab and his work ethic. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Sailors on October 14, 1947. He spent 7 ½ years on Active Duty where he received a Meritorious Service award. He was Honorably Discharged in June of 1955. Bob did not stop his navy career there. He re-enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves on August 20, 1955. During his time in the reserves, he always looked forward to his 2 weeks of active-duty training in San Diego where he would get to hang out with his treasured friend and running mate, Gus. They would head in to Ensenada Mexico for shopping, food and if truth be told, cause some mischief while they were there. Bob eventually retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves on June 19, 1991 as a Machinery Repairman First Class.

Bob worked for Samsonite Corp. in Colorado, and in 1967 relocated his family to California for a job as an Airplane Mechanic for United Airlines. While working for United Airlines, he started his own Alarm Screen Business on the side, working out of his garage. He enjoyed working for United Airlines, but decided to take an early retirement after 15 years. This was not because he did not want to work. His selfless act of retiring early, allowed a friend who had a wife and small children, to keep his job. That is who Bob was. Generous and always trying to help others. In 1986 he sold his screen business and moved to Elk Grove to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He still wasn’t ready to stop working. He opened up a sign business and later passed this business on to his nephew. Once again, showing his selfless side. His last and final job would be working for Lowe’s, which allowed him to talk to everyone, using his gift of gab.

When he was not working, which wasn’t often, he loved to go fishing in Wyoming, bowling (as he was in a league), and snowmobiling in Colorado. Years later he loved to sit and watch baseball games (the Giants), football games (the 49ers), basketball games (the Kings) any type of racing (Nascar was his favorite) and of course, Judge Judy. He also never missed an opportunity to brag about his children or grandchildren.

Bob will be eternally missed by those who knew him. His family is grateful and forever blessed to have had so many years with him.

He was predeceased by; his father William Sr., his mother Irma, his brother William Jr., his wife Betty, his daughter Cheryl, and his great grandson Coen.

He is survived by; his sister-in-law Norma, his son Robert Jr. (Bobby), his daughter-in-law Barbara, his daughter Cris, his son-in-law Kevin and his son-in-law Jerry.

He will be forever cherished by his grandchildren; Staci (Nick), Kevin (Kim), Tony (Kelli), Casey (Shannon), Jenny (Shannon), Taylor, Amanda (Garyth), Sean, and Katelyn. His great-grandchildren; Alexis, Nicholas (Mady), Madison, Parker, Austin, Jordan, Brooklyn, Aubrey, Morgan, Hailey and Ryan. His great-great grandchildren; Grayson and Scarlett along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A viewing will be held on August 6, 2025 from 4:15 P.M. – 4:45 P.M. at the East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park & Mortuary. 9189 E. Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, California 95624. Following the viewing, a reception will be held at Bob’s house. 9013 Hooded Crane Court, Sacramento, California 95829.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on August 7, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California 96620.