Charles "Charlie" Francis Robinson

Charlie was born on March 13, 1945 to Leroy and Catherine Robinson at Sacred Heart Hospital in Hanford, CA. He attended St. Rose-McCarthy School and Hanford High School, graduating in 1964. He was a natural athlete playing multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, and even pole-vaulting on the Cross Country Team. In later years he could be found at the Kings Country Club demonstrating his remarkable skill with a club. However, his favorite sport was baseball. In high school while playing varsity baseball, it was common for the JV game to be delayed due to the common occurrence of him hitting a home run into their game on an adjoining field.

Charlie signed with the professional baseball team, Houston Colt 45’s, (Houston Astros) in 1964 and immediately left for Coco Beach, Florida to play in their rookie league. His signing bonus was $10,000. (A large sum in 1964) Money he gave to his mother. He also played for the Kansas City Athletics (Oakland A's) organization. In 1966 he led the Florida State League with home runs, a significant accomplishment since many of the games were played in large ballparks that were also used as polo grounds. Charlie played three years of pro baseball in the United States and two years at Quebec, Canada.

After leaving professional baseball he returned to Hanford, where he eventually started his business, “Charlie Robinson Concrete”. Although he never retired from this business, he always had time for his boys and to ride his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, with friends, on many memorable trips across the United States and Mexico. Charlie was a true free spirit and his “Harley” was the outlet.

Charlie volunteered his time, money, and expertise with community projects like the Hanford Youth Athletic Complex, Hanford High Weight Room, St. Brigid’s Catholic Church Youth Services Building, the Parish Church, Kings Counties First Church at Grangeville, and St. Rose-McCarthy School, to name a few. He was inducted into the Longfield Center Hall of fame in 2004, and, along with several other local outstanding baseball players, had the Babe Ruth baseball field dedicated to them.

Through his marriage to Kathy Powell he had two sons, Douglas and David Robinson. He is survived by his sons; Doug (Carrie) Robinson, David (Melonie) Robinson, grandchildren; Jordan (Carl) Nelson, Tim Robinson, Zach Robinson, Ethan Patrick and Eli Patrick. Siblings: Bill (Sonja) Robinson, Catherine Hill, John Robinson, and Michael (Barbara) Robinson. Nieces and nephews; Bill Robinson, Cathey (Greg) Leaon, Dee Robinson, Darla Yehl, Rodney Willhite, Jeff Willhite, Jamie Robinson, Terri (Kyle) Heck, Cindy (Frank) Netto, Jeff (Lori) Hill, Chris (Lori) Hill, Ryan Robinson, Rusty (Theresa) Robinson, Sam (Suzy) Robinson, Luke (Tawny) Robinson, Jacob (Ali) Robinson, and his companions and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy & Catherine Robinson, brothers James and Joe Robinson, and brother in-law, Robert Hill.

The family would like to thank his devoted niece, Cindy Netto, who Charlie shared an especially close relationship.

Charlie was a devout Catholic and went to church on a weekly basis. One of his favorite things to say when asked how he was doing, was, "The good Lord blessed me with another day to work."

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hanford Fraternal Hall; 1015 N. 10th Ave., Hanford, CA 93230 a Private Graveside Service will be held at Kings River Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to St. Rose-McCarthy School; 1000 N. Harris St., Hanford, CA 93230 www.strosemccarthy.com

Services by People’s Funeral Chapel 559-584-5591.