In loving memory of

Steve Robinson
October 30, 1950 - October 14, 2020

Steve Robinson was lost much too soon on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 after a long and heroic fight with cancer. Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Grandfather, Mentor, Warrior, Policeman, Farmer, Carpenter, Mechanic, Home Builder. Upholding a tradition of his family since the Revolutionary War, Steve served our country in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He led a full life that took him from Appalachian coal mines to the Khyber Pass. Steve graduated from West High School and joined the Air Force which gave him a free pass to Vietnam. Upon return he married (Elaine Hester) followed by the birth of a beautiful daughter (Sara), the love of his life. He worked hard his whole life starting in Kentucky coal mines followed by nearly a decade of happy times in Texas. Returning to Knoxville, Steve was a deputy for the Knox County Sheriff's office before wanderlust got the best of him and he headed for military support in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coming back to his beloved mountains of East Tennessee he semi-retired to his farm in Riverdale, Knox County where he designed, and with his wife Debi and his extended family, built his home. He gardened, volunteered for Love Kitchen, built trucks, and generally kept things running. He was a generous and kind man.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Jo Palmer Robinson Whittle; his father, J.T. Robinson (WWII). Survived by his wife, Debi Schlabach Robinson; brother & sister in law, Tim Robinson & Elaine Clark; children and grandchildren: Sara Robinson Doucette (Bruce Doucette, Grace Doucette, Avery Doucette); Erin Beaver Kalb (Casey Kalb, Ellie Kalb, Wells Kalb); Zach Beaver (Sarah Beaver, Dax Beaver); Aunt, Etta Henson (Jack Henson).

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Steve Robinson to Love Kitchen.
https://thelovekitchen.org. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Robinson family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.

Tributes

Melba Bennett wrote on Oct 21, 2020:

"Steve and Debi are really great neighbors. Miss Steve. But glad to know he is better now and with God"

Karen and Bob Martin wrote on Oct 20, 2020:

"Debi and family, We are so sorry for your loss! We will be thinking of you and praying for comfort. Hoping you soon will have more happy memories than sad. "

Tim Ford wrote on Oct 20, 2020:

"I just heard of Steve's passing. I am so sorry to hear I'm so glad I got to see him his last Birthday. Steve was a true hero and mentor to everybody who knew him. I will always have great memories of me and him riding patrol together as well as our time in Afghanistan. Steve I'll miss you brother rest easy we will hold the line from here, until we e meet again stay strong my brother. "

Pete Kinney wrote on Oct 19, 2020:

"I had the honor of working with both Steve and Debi in Iraq; our country is blessed to have such patriotic citizens. Steve will not be fore gotten."

Phyllis W Rule wrote on Oct 18, 2020:

"I met Steve about 5 years ago, I guess you could say he was my handyman, we had a lot of long talks about a lot of things. I just loved him as a friend and I will miss him so much. Everyone will that knew him. "

Fletcher Kelly wrote on Oct 18, 2020:

"I met Steve in the 5th or 6th grade at Pond Gap School. We both liked cars and both had big dreams about our future. But Steve was a traveler and wanted to see the world. I stayed in Knoxville. But we always stayed in touch. I will miss Steve and all of his ideas. Fletcher Kelly "

Jim Watson wrote on Oct 17, 2020:

"Steve was a good man and a good friend. He will be missed."