Donald Ray Robinson

Donald Ray Robinson, 76, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, stonemason, avid golfer, and white shirt enthusiast, passed away surrounded by his loving family at his home the evening of Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

Born in Mt. Sterling on October 19, 1946, Donald was the 2nd child and 1st son, of the late Eugene and Pansy Hatton Robinson. School was not a high priority in his youth, often intentionally missing the bus to play in the woods or spinning tall tales to explain his tardiness to class. Donald graduated from Nicholas County High School in 1965, where he played football for the Blue Jackets, which ended up a three-generation Robinson family tradition. In 2013, Donald was inducted into the Nicholas County High School Football Hall of Fame for the 1963-64 season, when he was the co-captain, most valuable defense, and 1 st Team All-CKC. It was on a Nicholas County basketball fan bus that Donald met the love of his life, Faye (who, by the way, was not allowed to be dating at the time). The two went on to be married in 1966 and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last October.

For more than 50 years, Donald was well known for being a skilled stone and brick mason; his work is found on numerous homes and public architecture in Nicholas County and the surrounding communities. He worked on projects such as the old walking bridge at Blue Licks State Park and restoring the old stone wall along US 68 from Paris to Lexington. Those who knew him were always impressed that he managed to keep his signature white shirts and shoes perfectly clean, despite doing such tiring and muddy work. Donald “retired” at the age of 75. In his retirement, he maintained cattle on Whispering Memories Farm when he and Faye moved back to her childhood home. At first, he couldn’t see himself as a farmer, but he settled right into it, taking care of the land and the cattle, especially Faye’s favorite Charolais. If the sun was out and it was (somewhat) warm, you could probably find him playing a round of golf at Carnico Golf Course, one of his favorite pastimes. And, of course, he continued his craft, including one of his most prized works: a stone fireplace at the home of his daughter, Melanie, built by his hands and those of his son, Darren, and grandson, Chandler.

Donald was tenacious and headstrong, but he would do whatever he could to help you if you asked and was a fierce protector of his family. His quick wit and animated facial expressions when Melanie or Faye insisted on just one more picture brought years of laughter of joy. Those are the memories through which his legacy will live on, and that his loved ones who miss him will cherish forever.

Surviving are his devoted wife, Faye McClanahan Robinson; his son, Darren Ray (Malinda) Robinson; his daughter, Melanie (Dale) Swartz; his 4 grandchildren: Dustin Ray Robinson, Colin (Stella) Ball, Chandler Swartz & Carly Glass; 3 brothers Ralph (Gail) Robinson, Billy (Tammy) Robinson & Greg (Karen) Robinson; and 2 sisters, Carolyn Robinson Vice & Emma Mae Baker.

Also preceding him in death were a brother, Bobby Robinson, and a sister, Marilyn Robinson Becraft.

A funeral service officiated by Rev. Steve Smith will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 19th at Mathers-Gaunce Funeral Home. A private burial will follow at Whispering Memories Cemetery, on the farm where Donald & Faye made their home.

Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service. 

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