Douglas Gilbert Wayman Robison was born on September 25, 1932, to Vera and Leo Robison in Shreveport, Louisiana. He passed away at the age of 89 after a short battle with cancer in the Shreveport home of his daughter, Kasie Robison Mainiero, surrounded by loved ones.
Services will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home, with visitation from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, October 22, 2021 and the funeral at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 23, 2021.
Doug is survived by his wife of 65 years, Louise Robison, and his four children, Douglas Lamar Robison (Kathy), Deborah Robison, Kasie Robison Mainiero (John), and Jacob Robison. Seven grandchildren are left to cherish his memory: Samuel Lamar Robison (Tiera), Jessica Ray, Erin Robison Corpening (Franklin), Joseph Moore and Lucas, Isabella and Miles Mainiero, as well as nine great-grandchildren: Emma, Carter, Collins, Finley, Lincoln, Gerard, Isaiah, Dhanity Marie, and Dominic. Doug is also survived by his brothers, Pete and Henry (Shelia) Robison, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vera Hicks Robison Fisher and Leo Robison; his eldest daughter, Donna Lynn Robison; and his sisters, RoseLynn Robison LeMay Dienst and Shirley Robison Wall.
During his time on this earth Doug had many careers and hobbies. He attended Gulf Port Military Academy and entered the Navy upon graduation. He served in the Korean War with the Sea-Bees before being stationed at Guam. After the Navy, he attended Centenary College in Shreveport. In the 1960’s he worked as a salesman of scaffolding and metal works. He obtained his pilot’s license and flew small planes. In the 1970’s he worked as an engineer and founded a company called Chassis Dynamics, which created car parts for many businesses including NASCAR. Some of his cars were featured in races such as the Daytona 500 and driven by notable racers Bobby Allison, A.J. Foyt, and Pete Hamilton. Doug worked in the pit crew at the Daytona 500 several times. In 1974 and 1975 his cars held 21 track records and set one world record.
In 1975, Doug and Louise tragically lost their eldest daughter, Donna, in an automobile accident which prompted them to adopt Donna’s infant daughter, Kasie. Not long afterward, Doug moved the family to Greenwood, Louisiana where he found that he loved working as a volunteer fireman. He saw a need in Greenwood for better emergency services. He petitioned for funding to transform the volunteer house into a fully functioning station. His efforts paid off and he was able to establish life-air support, an EMT team, a brand new firehouse, several full-time employees, and trucks. He continued working as a fireman for the next 23 years, eventually serving as Chief of Fire District 3 before retiring in 1997.
Doug was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternal organization and a Mason. He and Louise attended Greenwood Methodist Church for many years until they moved to Shreveport after his retirement. He sang in the choir and also performed in musicals and operas. They most recently attended Christ United Methodist Church. Doug spent most of his retired years enjoying fishing and hunting, and even served as a professional fishing guide on Toledo Bend. He loved the outdoors and could often be found in the woods or on a fishing boat. He and Louise adopted another of their grandchildren, Jacob Robison, after Hurricane Rita demolished a family home.
The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to Pastor Mark Bray; LaToya Chalmers, their favorite helper and sitter; Donna Valentine with Hillcrest Funeral Home; Nurse Tracie Varnell with Regional Hospice; Karen Shultz with Home Instead, and our beloved crew at Greenwood Fire District # 3, serving as Pallbearers.
After the service, the family will receive friends and guests at John and Kasie’s home to celebrate the life of this wonderful man who will be missed by so many.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations in Mr. Robison’s honor be made to the War Veteran’s Home, or to the Alzheimer's Association.
