LT USN(Ret)Edward John “Buddy” Robeson, 91, York S.C. went home to heaven Sunday, August 5, 2012 around 8:54 AM. He was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in his last days on earth. He was born January 11, 1921 in Newport News, Virginia, the only son of Edward J. Robeson Jr. and Ruth Richards Robeson and brother of Ruth Curtis Robeson Kirkpatrick Howell, Frances Ferguson Robeson Hedin, and Martha Richards Robeson Boardman (deceased). He married Clara Austin Averett on June 10, 1944, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They loved each other over 70 years and were married over 68 years. Their children are John and Ann Austin Robeson Holmes (Pittsburgh PA), LtCol USMC(Ret) Edward J. Robeson IV (deceased) and Mary Ann Robeson (Clyde NC), Wallace and Ruth Richards Robeson Tinsley (York SC), MajGen USMC(Ret) Mastin Matthews and Nancy Robeson (Landrum SC), Jim and Helen Averett Robeson Soyster (Murfreesboro TN), Keith and Elizabeth Shelby Robeson Franklin (Fruitland MD). They also have 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
He graduated from Newport News High School, attended the University of Virginia, and graduated from The United States Naval Academy, June 1944, with a degree in electrical engineering and a commission as an Ensign. He was quarterback for Navy and then Goat Keeper of the Navy mascot. During WWII he was the commanding officer of Navy LST 854 in the Pacific Theater where he landed forces during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. His business career included Biggs Furniture Company (Richmond VA), Robeson Fogging Company (Augusta GA), E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Company, Nylon Division (Martinsville VA), Monsanto (Chemstrand) Corporation (Pensacola FL and Greenwood SC), Plant Manager of Park Seed Company (Greenwood SC), President of Schlegel Manufacturing Company (Chester SC), Administrator Ridge Haven Camp and Conference Center of Presbyterian Church in America (Rosman NC), Missionary (Odessa Ukraine).
He served his God, his family, his country, his community, and his church (PCA) well. He served as a Presbyterian elder for 61 years and participated in the founding of the Presbyterian Church in America in 1973. He served with distinction on many boards, service organizations and agencies including the SC Chamber of Commerce, The Salvation Army, Rotary International, Member of Board of Trustees Bryan College (Dayton TN), Board of Great Commission Publications (Atlanta GA), and others.
Visitation will be 5pm-7pm Monday, August 6, 2012 at Filbert PCA Church, York SC. A memorial service will be held at 11am Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Filbert PCA Church, York SC. Interment will be at 5pm, Tuesday, August 7, at Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesville NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to support ministries in which two of the Robeson children are involved. It was Ed’s desire that these ministries be the focus of any memorials — A Restoration Church, 2674 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 and Wycliffe Bible Translators (Account #228453), PO Box 628211, Orlando FL 32862-8211.