Carl Allen Robinson, Sr

On Tuesday, July 6, we invite you to come celebrate the life of Carl Allen Robinson, Sr. at Community Church of Possum Kingdom starting at 2 p.m.  For 83 years, Carl lived life to the fullest.  He was born on September 7, 1938, in Westerville, Ohio as one of three children of Edgar and Mildred Robinson.  The family settled in Abilene with the move to Texas of Robinson-Puckett Drilling. He grew up enjoying his extended family in the area and stayed in the area to build a life for his own family.

Carl graduated from Abilene High School, attended McMurray College, and he married Gay Percifull on June 7, 1960. They first met in high school, and she remained the love of his life. Carl had a successful career. He and his father also built a successful horse breeding and racing operation where he excelled as a trainer in the quarter horse and paint horse industry for 16 years. He was known for his fanciful Paint horses and abilities to consistently win including the APHA National Championship in 1972. Yet being at his family’s side was the ultimate prize he cherished; thus, he left racing and went to work in the west Texas oil and gas business. He took a job with a local drilling services company, Gerhart Owens, in Abilene which eventually led him to Halliburton in which he retired in the mid 1990s.

Though he had a natural talent for logging and analyzing wells, it was his quest to enjoy family, friends, and adventure that fulfilled his soul.  He and Gay raised two children, Carla Gay (b. 1961) and Carl Allen, Jr. (b. 1966) who have always been the bedrock of his world. Being a kid at heart, Carl loved family adventures and had a natural gravitation to find the fun and enjoyment in all that life offered. With the grit of a Texan, Carl found the simplest pleasures in music, cuisine, fishing, boating, hunting and of course, the opportunity for laughter.  No matter where Carl’s day led him, he was sure to end it by making a new friend somewhere along the way.  Fueled by the love of his wife, Gay, and his children (Carla and Carl Jr.), Carl’s life was further blessed with 5 grandchildren – Courtney Noel Kitten (b. 1990), Cameron Joseph Kitten (b. 1993), Conley Thomas Robinson (b. 2001), Liam Buckley Robinson (b. 2008), and Isabella Conley Robinson (b. 2011).  His amazing ability to relate to each of them built a special place in their hearts for “Pappy” and a repertoire of stories that will forever bring bright smiles.

Upon retirement, Carl and Gay left Abilene for Possum Kingdom Lake where they joined many of their life-long friends and made an abundance of new ones. The “lake life” was their calling, and they made the very most of this final chapter together. Carl was the regular at the local café and a reliable wave to any who passed by their home.  After Gay left this earth in December 2017, Carl stayed in Possum Kingdom and was lovingly “adopted” by the PK lake community, a genuine reflection of his unwavering fondness of this area.  He is undoubtedly at much peace being with her and loved ones again in their heavenly home.

Carl Robinson’s life entailed so many wonderful people, exciting experiences, and great love. He leaves a gift for all still here - a reminder that life is a ride meant to be enjoyed.  So, take it all in and remember to laugh hard, keep youthfulness in your heart, and hold on tightly to the ones you love who will get you through the rough moments while also making good times the very best life brings. 

We love you, Pappy!!

Carl Robinson was preceded in death by his wife, Gay; sister, Carolyn; and grandson, Cameron. He is survived by his children, Carla and Carl; grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Trish Robinson; sister, Marilyn Roberts; and a niece, Martha Jane and James Webb as well as his nephews, Elliott White, Michael McAlister and Justin Roberts.  He also leaves behind, Shorty, his faithful Jack Russell who adopted him years ago.

There will be a viewing/visitation in Mineral Wells on Monday, July 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Baum-Carlock Funeral Home.  Immediately following Tuesday’s ceremony, a burial will be held at McAdams Cemetery at Possum Kingdom Lake. In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation in his honor can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation at 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, California 90401 or pcf.org.