Denver Laverne Robinson, 93, of Tuscola, IL passed away at 6:26p.m. Monday (Sept. 26, 2016) at home with family.

The fifth of eleven children, Denver was born on December 6, 1922 in rural Elkville, IL to Homer Everett Robinson and Lula Helen (Flint) Robinson. He married Frances Opal Brinkley on September 13, 1941 in Palmyra, Missouri. He was a loving, devoted husband till her death on February 17, 2014.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter Sandra Kesterson; sons-in-law Dick Kesterson and Norman Carroll; brothers and sisters-in-law Lawrence Freely (Claudine) Robinson and Howard (Una) Robinson; sisters and brothers-in-law Imogene (Leon) King and Naoma Ruth (Frank) Stear; and infant sister Rosalie "Rose" Robinson.

Survivors include his daughter Diana Carroll and son David (Cindy) Robinson; four grandchildren: Pattie (Jeff) Wilson; Lori (Greg) Miller; Matt Carroll; Shawn (Kim) Robinson; five great-grandchildren; brothers Edmond (Sarah) Robinson; Homer (Virginia) Robinson and John (Barbara) Robinson; and sisters Elaine Richards and Shirley Koerber.

During the Great Depression, Denver enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Tuscola, where he met Frances at a bandstand concert at Erwin Park. Soon after their marriage, Denver joined the Navy in WWII and served aboard USS Crater AK-70 in the Pacific Theater.

Denver worked many jobs, including for the City of Tuscola, the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Ziegler Coal Mine, and as a caretaker for Bache Memorial Chapel. Throughout, he was skilled at fixing machinery, laying brick, and construction. In fact, Denver, Frances, and her father Walter Brinkley built both houses that they lived in after getting married.

Denver enjoyed beekeeping, grafting apple trees, growing grapes, gardening, and cutting firewood for his fireplace. Denver loved spending vacations with Frances driving out west, to the Pacific Northwest, and especially to Canada. He appreciated listening to gospel music and attending church.

He loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 1st, 2016 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL. Graveside Services with military rites accorded will be held at 12:00 p.m., with Rev. Ralph Deal officiating. Burial will be in the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola, IL.

Optional donations are suggested for Denver's member church, Tuscola United Church of Christ.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com