Obituary for Joe Neal Robinson
Joe Neal Robinson, 75, died August 15, 2023 in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Union Cemetery in Glencoe. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge if the arrangements.
Joe was born to Ray Paul and Frances Neal (Bush) Robinson on December 28, 1947, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Except for the last few months Joe lived most of his life in Oklahoma. He was a native of Morrison, and graduated from Morrison High School. His family regularly attended the Morrison Methodist Church and his parent's faith played a large part in their family life.
Joe attended Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in Secondary Education, Social Studies. He was also a Distinguished Military Graduate and served eight years in the Army Reserve.
After graduating from college, Joe worked with his father in the hardware business for four years. In 1975 Joe began his studies at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. In 1976 he was appointed as a student pastor. He served eight appointments in the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, including Bokchito/Bennington, Broken Arrow First (Associate), Buffalo, Norman Goodrich, Hydro, Midwest City Douglas Boulevard, Holdenville Barnard, and Ponca City Albright.
After becoming a pastor Joe said that he never wanted to do any other kind of work. He credits his mother as the greatest influence on his call to the ministry. He valued his experiences working at many District youth camps, four years of participation in Oklahoma City Youth Force, and going on a mission trip to Rio Bravo, Mexico. He felt he was privileged to serve the churches and congregations where he was appointed.
Joe married Judy Smith Harper July 21, 1990. He helped to raise his stepson, Jeff Harper, and the family enjoyed many church activities, sporting events (especially Jeff's soccer games) and vacations. Joe loved OSU sports, country music, most desserts - especially his mother's blackberry cobbler - and above all his friends and family.
Joe was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2011. As the disease progressed, life became more difficult, but Joe faced increasing limitations with grace and perseverance. He never stopped trying to do his best and be the best person he could be. The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers of Legacy Village of Stillwater, Sunrise Living of Lafayette Hill and Echo Hospice of Philadelphia for their care and support during Joe's last months.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Elbert Lynn, brother-in-law Ken King, and brother-in-law, Mike Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; his stepson, Jeff and wife Melissa and granddaughter, Coral. He is also survived by his two sisters, Paula King and Mary Christensen and husband Rick; as well as nephews Steve King and wife Stephanie, Scott King and wife Erin, Ryan Christensen, and niece Elizabeth Connor and husband Rodney.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests donations be made in Joe's name to the Morrison UMC, P.O. Box 174, Morrison, OK 73061 or the Oklahoma Parkinson's Alliance, 720 W Wilshire, Ste 109. Oklahoma City, OK 73116.
Joe was born to Ray Paul and Frances Neal (Bush) Robinson on December 28, 1947, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Except for the last few months Joe lived most of his life in Oklahoma. He was a native of Morrison, and graduated from Morrison High School. His family regularly attended the Morrison Methodist Church and his parent's faith played a large part in their family life.
Joe attended Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in Secondary Education, Social Studies. He was also a Distinguished Military Graduate and served eight years in the Army Reserve.
After graduating from college, Joe worked with his father in the hardware business for four years. In 1975 Joe began his studies at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. In 1976 he was appointed as a student pastor. He served eight appointments in the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, including Bokchito/Bennington, Broken Arrow First (Associate), Buffalo, Norman Goodrich, Hydro, Midwest City Douglas Boulevard, Holdenville Barnard, and Ponca City Albright.
After becoming a pastor Joe said that he never wanted to do any other kind of work. He credits his mother as the greatest influence on his call to the ministry. He valued his experiences working at many District youth camps, four years of participation in Oklahoma City Youth Force, and going on a mission trip to Rio Bravo, Mexico. He felt he was privileged to serve the churches and congregations where he was appointed.
Joe married Judy Smith Harper July 21, 1990. He helped to raise his stepson, Jeff Harper, and the family enjoyed many church activities, sporting events (especially Jeff's soccer games) and vacations. Joe loved OSU sports, country music, most desserts - especially his mother's blackberry cobbler - and above all his friends and family.
Joe was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2011. As the disease progressed, life became more difficult, but Joe faced increasing limitations with grace and perseverance. He never stopped trying to do his best and be the best person he could be. The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers of Legacy Village of Stillwater, Sunrise Living of Lafayette Hill and Echo Hospice of Philadelphia for their care and support during Joe's last months.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Elbert Lynn, brother-in-law Ken King, and brother-in-law, Mike Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; his stepson, Jeff and wife Melissa and granddaughter, Coral. He is also survived by his two sisters, Paula King and Mary Christensen and husband Rick; as well as nephews Steve King and wife Stephanie, Scott King and wife Erin, Ryan Christensen, and niece Elizabeth Connor and husband Rodney.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests donations be made in Joe's name to the Morrison UMC, P.O. Box 174, Morrison, OK 73061 or the Oklahoma Parkinson's Alliance, 720 W Wilshire, Ste 109. Oklahoma City, OK 73116.