Virgil L. Robson, 70, Active in American Legion Affairs
Virgil L. Robson, 70, of Amherst, died Monday December 30, 2002 in the intensive care unit at Community Health Partners Hospital & Surgical Center in Lorain after a brief illness. He was born October 9, 1932 in North Canton, Ohio and had resided in Amherst since 1964 moving from Lorain.
Mr. Robson was a 1950 graduate of Marlboro High School in Marlboro, Ohio. He served with the US Air Force during the Korean War in the 3600 Fighter Bomber Wing, 3601 Squadron as a Sergeant E-4. He was also a Jet Maintenance Crew Chief. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, National Alliance Treaty Organization Service Medal and the South Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
He was a 1966 graduate of the Ohio School of Banking at Ohio University. He was a 1971 graduate of the American Bankers National Mortgage School at Ohio State University. Mr. Robson worked at the Pittsburgh National Bank (later Central Bank) for 36 years, retiring as the Vice President of Mortgage Loans in 1990.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst, Ohio.
Mr. Robson was very active in veteran's affairs throughout the area. He was a member of American Legion Post #118 in Amherst where he served as first vice commander (1985-1986) post commander (1986-1990), finance officer (1993-1996), trustee (1992-1993) and post service officer (1996-1997). He was a member of American Legion Post # 197 in South Amherst where he served as service officer (1998-2002), Buckeye Boys State Chairman (1999,2000,2002), Gifts for Yanks Chairman (1999-2002) and post commander (2000-2001).
Mr. Robson held several Lorain county veterans' offices. He was the county Finance Officer (1987-1989), county First Vice Commander (1989-1990), county Commander (1990-1991), county Judge Advocate (1991-1993) and county Finance Officer (200-2002). On the district level he held the offices of assistant sergeant-at-arms (1988-1989), finance officer (1993-1994), law and order chairman (1987-1988), Gifts for Yanks Chairman (1988-1992; 1988-2000), special task force (1991-1992), audit and finance committee (1990-2000), past commanders club (1986-present) and national security chairman (2001-2002).
On the state level Mr. Robson served on the Gifts for Yanks sub-committee (1990-1991), was commissioner of Buckeye Boys State (1992-present), was elected trustee for Buckeye Boys State in 1998 and was the department sergeant-at-arms (1996-1997). On the national level he was appointed to the law and order committee (1987-1988).
Mr. Robson served as the blood bank chairman of both American Legion Post #118 and Post #197. He donated seven gallons of blood to the Lorain County Blood Bank and 20 pints of blood to the American Legion Blood Bank. He was American Legion all time high commander (1986-1990), post #118 Legionnaire of the Year and received the Dr. Elsie Snell Memorial Award (1989-1990).
He volunteered with the Meals on Wheels for the Amherst office on aging (1991-1992) and served on the Amherst city flag committee (1984-1997). In October 1997 he received the community service award from the city of Amherst.
He was a member of the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard (1984-present). He served as a delegate to district, state, and national legion conventions. He was a member of the Lorain Lions Club for 31 years and a life member of both the Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20 and AMVETS Post #47, both of Lorain.
Mr. Robson volunteered as a driver for the Lorain County VA outpatient clinic. He was awarded the Reinhardt N. Ausmus Service Officer of the Year award (1998-1999, 1999-2000, and 2001-2002). He was also awarded the 5th District Legionnaire of the Year Award (1990-2000).
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary Jane Robson (nee Merki), sister Mary Ann Johnson of Alliance and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents James "Max" and Anna (nee Raynard) Robson and brother Max Robson.
The family will receive friends Friday January 3, 2003 from 4-9 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. The American Legion Post #197 will conduct a memorial service Thursday January 2nd, 2003 at 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday January 4th, 2003 at 8:15 am in the funeral chapel followed by a funeral mass at 9:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst. The Rev. Lawrence Martello, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Amherst, where the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will conduct military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post #197, 204 Erie St. South Amherst, OH 44001.