Noble L. Robinson / July 3, 1919 – Nov. 15, 2009

Published 10:24 am Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Noble L. Robinson

Noble L. Robinson

Noble L. Robinson, 90, of Oak Street in Niles, died at 3:38 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, following an extended illness.

Noble was born July 3, 1919 in New Paris, Ind. to Charles and Rilla (Brady) Robinson. He was a 1937 graduate of New Paris High School and a 1940 graduate of International Business College of Fort Wayne, Ind. After graduation, he was employed by the Community Finance Co. of Niles, and then moved on to Baltimore, Md. to work for the Social Security Board in the Chandler Building for three years before entering the U.S. Army in March 1943.

Noble served as tech/sergeant in the 652nd Tank Destroyer Battalion for three years during World War II, from March 1943 to March 1946, when he was honorably discharged.

He retired from Clark Equipment Co. in Buchanan in February 1985 after 27 years of employment. Prior to that, he was employed for 11 years with the Norton Door Closer Division of The Yale & Towne Mfg. Co. in Berrien Springs.

Noble was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Niles, where he served as a trustee. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 26 in Niles; a life member of the National Rifle Association; a member of the Southwestern Michigan Rental Housing Association; and the Clark Salaried Retirees Club.

He enjoyed nature, wildlife, hunting, fishing and the outdoors in his younger days. He always enjoyed gardening, and he owned some agricultural acreage, which he enjoyed farming right up until the past few years.

On Oct. 19, 1946 in Niles, he married the former Modesta DePoy, with whom he celebrated the 63rd anniversary of marriage this past October.

He is survived by his wife, Modesta Robinson, and their children, Patricia A. (Ronald) Flubacker, of Barrington, Ill.; son, Dr. Michael E. (Jane) Robinson, of Barrington; grandchildren, Carlin (Greg) Shiffler, Kyle Flubacker, Morgan Flubacker, Laura Robinson and Jeff Robinson; twin great-granddaughters, Emma and Lucia Shiffler; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Forrest, Harold and Chester Robinson; sisters, Cecil Robinson, Bernice Howard, Clarissa Robinson and twins, Thelma Shriner and Velma Poff.

The funeral service for Noble L. Robinson will be held Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Janet Van Lear officiating.

Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with a flag presentation and “Taps” by American Legion Post No. 26.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Contributions in memory of Noble L. Robinson may be made to the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church.