Sam Robinson

Sam Robinson, 84, of Oblong, IL, passed away on August 14, 2026, at Haven of Ridgeview in Oblong. He was born on December 10, 1941, in Olney, IL, the son of Leonard C. & Virginia E. (Harmon) Robinson. He grew up in Oblong and graduated from Oblong High School in 1959.

He spent his early working years farming and raising Hereford cattle, work that suited a man who was never afraid to put in a day's labor. In time, he moved to the oil field, working as a pumper for Marathon before finishing his career with Plains Oil Company and retiring in 2007.

Sam was a Past Master of the Oblong City Lodge and was deeply involved in the Masonic brotherhood. He counted it a privilege to lead Masonic funeral rites, a way of honoring the brothers he'd stood beside and serving their families when grief was heaviest.

Away from work, Sam was a man who enjoyed the simple things of life. He collected knives and made a point of getting to knife shows when he could. He followed the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears, and always held a curiosity about history that kept him reading and learning. He was a woodworker too, and whatever he built—be it furniture, cabinetry, or some other piece—he made to last.

His personality came through in the way he treated people. Sam loved to tease, and those he liked often got teased the most. He was a simple man, so we'll put it simply: he worked hard, he stayed true to what he loved, and he cared deeply for the people around him.

He married Jerry Kaye Turner on November 2, 1963, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Kris & Jay Ping; grandchildren, Eva Ping & Luke Miller, Clark & Madeleine Ping, and Ellen Ping. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17th at the Oblong Cemetery, where Masonic rites will be accorded, followed by a service officiated by Phil Boyd. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family at this time.