Riley H. Robertson

Chief Master Sergeant Riley (Rob) Robertson, United States Air Force (retired), went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2022, at the age of 77 due to complications from Covid. He was born in Princeton, Indiana on November 20, 1944, to the late Everett and Mary (Hull) Robertson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Ellen, his two sons Timothy (Jackie) and James (Cindy), five grandchildren Kirstin, Ryan, Riley, Clare, and Brooke, twin brother Rollie H. Robertson (Emmalee) of Evansville, IN, sister Diana Davis of Humble, TX, brother Jeffery Robertson of Oakland City, IN, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Sheila and Arnell Springer of Holton, KS, Ruthe Drew of Fishkill, NY, Patrice Cunningham and Russell Grecco of Ocean City, NJ, Deborah and Bill Hawk of Effingham, KS, Denise Cunningham of Effingham, KS, Debra K. Cunningham, Yukon, OK, Teri Risinger of Carmi, IL, David Moore of Columbia, MO and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Ronnie Risinger of Carmi, IL, Brothers-in-law Daniel P. (Murf) Cunningham, Charles Drew, Robert Mirch, sister-in-law, Janice Moore.

CMSgt Robertson enlisted in the Air Force on February 11, 1964, and was sent immediately to Lackland Air Force, Texas, for basic training. In his military career he was stationed at Forbes AFB, KS 1964, Yokota Air Base, Japan 1968, Westover AFB, MA 1972, Incirlik CDI, Turkey 1974, Grissom AFB 1975, Lackland AFB, TX 1977, Hofn, Iceland 1984, RAF Alconbury, UK 1985, and Kelly AFB, TX 1988. Over the years he received many accolades including 1stSgt of the Year twice. He greatly enjoyed his 1stSgt duties.

Rob loved sports of all kinds staring with Little League with his twin brother Sonny. They always played sports together growing up and were the stars of their Patoka HS basketball and baseball teams. In the Air force, Rob started off playing basketball but found his calling for fastpitch softball. He dominated as a left-handed pitcher in the US Nationals and winning back-to-back championships in Europe for RAF Alconbury.

In retirement he enjoyed going on cruises with his wife and friends, golfing, working at the golf course, volunteering at the Lackland Thrift Shop, antiquing, hitting the slots, garaging with Art and Jay, lunch with his grandkids and coffee with his boys and neighbors.

Rob will live on through the wonderful memories we all shared with him and the many life lessons he taught. He will forever be in our hearts.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 5, 2022, starting at 3:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm. For those that cannot attend, a live stream will start at 6:00pm. Mass and Interment with full military honors will be held at a later date in Effingham, KS. The family would like to thank the medical staff at Brooke Army Medical Center ICU for their care and compassion and express their sincere appreciation for all the prayers and kind words from friends and family. Rob was a member of St. Anthonys Claret Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Anthonys Clarets Pantry (SACP).

Click here to view the recorded service.