Posted by XXXXXX on May 4, 2008:

Lem F. Robinson ’48 No. 16629 24 Apr 1925 – 13 Oct 2003 Died in Fresno, CA Interred in Glen Abbey Memorial Park, Bonita, CA and Grace Cox Robinson, was born in Easley, SC. Early on, he showed promise for West Point. At Easley High School, Frank excelled in academics. He was a state winner in a geometry contest and a district winner in Debate and Declamation. He was president of the Beta Club, a homeroom officer, and described in the class yearbook as “a born leader and true friend.” In 1942, Frank graduated as his high school class valedictorian. Frank attended Clemson University for one year and served a year in the Navy before receiving his West Point appointment in 1944. As a cadet, he was on the Duty Committee, in the Weightlifting Club, and sang in the Chapel Choir. Despite being rendered unconscious for thirty-six hours by an Army steed during Yearling year, Frank looked upon his four years at West Point as among the best of his life. First class year, he was appointed a cadet captain and company commander. After training at Ft. Riley, KS, and Ft. Knox, KY, Frank was assigned to Germany. Prior to leaving, however, he married Betty Brockman, with whom he would eventually have three sons, Randall, Gary, and Timothy. In 1954, he resigned his commission in the rank of captain. Frank began his civilian career working for General Electric. After three years of on-the-job training, he accepted a permanent assignment with GE’s Atomic Energy plant in St. Petersburg, FL. In 1969, after transfers and promotions sent him to South Carolina and Arizona, Frank left General Electric to work for Datagraphix, a division of General Dynamics in San Diego. After two years, he was promoted to director of quality assurance and eventually rose to the position of vice president. He retired in 1988. While working for Datagraphix, Frank served a term as president of the Datagraphix Management Club. He also was selected to represent his company for one year with the United Way and was honored with commendations for these positions. In 1979, Frank earned a master of science degree in business management from United States International University. During these years, Frank’s first marriage ended in divorce. In 1975, he married Jolene, who worked in another division of General Dynamics. When Frank married Jolene, he also gained a step-daughter, Debra. After retiring, Frank stayed active. For several years, he volunteered at a senior community center and at a hospice. His leadership abilities were evident as he served as a church deacon and a term as president of the San Diego West Point Society. Frank’s retirement was a happy and peaceful time. He enjoyed sailing, reading, and traveling throughout the United States and Canada with his lovely wife Jolene. The children and grandchildren all miss going to Grandpa Frank’s for hamburgers on Sunday afternoons and listening to his stories about his childhood and his days at West Point. Frank remained in the San Diego area until his final two months, when he finally succumbed to Parkinson’s disease in Fresno, CA. On 13 Oct 2003, he was called home to where he could sail the peaceful waters of heaven, and when he set foot on the shores of eternity for the very first time he looked up and heard our Lord proclaim, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Frank faithfully followed the West Point creed, “Duty, Honor, Country.” He was buried with military honors on a sunny Saturday morning near San Diego. He was dearly loved by his friends and family and is sorely missed. From those of us who knew him, we say, “Frank, Dad, Grandpa, and member of the West Point Class of ’48, thank you for all the wonderful years. We are better people because of you.” Son Gary Robinson

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