Sterling Arnold Robinson

Sterling Arnold Robinson, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud veteran, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 79. He was born on August 2, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Sterling and Minnie Rosetta (née Goetz) Robinson. Sterling was the second child, with an older sister, LaVerne, who was born in 1941. Sterling's faith was a significant part of his life. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis and was a dedicated member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. He began his educational journey at Bethlehem Lutheran School in St. Louis, and later graduated from Cahokia (Illinois) High School in 1962. Sterling furthered his education through programs taken at Rankin Technical College. Sterling's commitment to service led him to enlist in the US Air Force in 1965, where he served as an aircraft mechanic, stationed throughout the Pacific, including tours in Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1969. After leaving the Air Force, Sterling began his adult life back home in St. Louis. In 1969, Sterling met the love of his life, Charlotte Ann (née Seibert), and they were married in 1971. Together, they built a strong, loving, resilient family that included three children: Christopher (who was sadly stillborn in 1973), Gregory (born in 1975), and Sheryl Renee (born in 1978). Sterling was deeply passionate and devoted to his wife and his family. Sterling also followed in his father's footsteps and embarked on a remarkable career that would span most of his adult life in the railroad industry. Sterling began his career in 1963 with the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis by working in the trainyards that serviced the rail lines coming in and out of Downtown St. Louis and the Metro East. After returning from his service in the Air Force, he then started as a railroad fireman with the St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt) Lines. In 1972, he became a railroad engineer, and began piloting trains between East St. Louis and Illmo, Missouri. While the names and livery colors on the engines would change - from the gray and white of the Cotton Belt, to the scarlet and gray of the Southern Pacific, to the blaze yellow and red of the Union Pacific, he would continue to expertly pilot trains along the north-south line connecting St. Louis with Southeast Missouri and beyond. He took great pride in his skill, precision, and capabilities in operating the trains, as well as with many other things in life. He was known for always being fun to be around and a unique individual - but one that always could figure out how to solve a problem, lend a helping hand, or meet a need. Sterling was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister, LaVerne (William) Odum, as well as his beloved son, Christopher. He is survived by his devoted wife, Charlotte; son, Gregory (Ellen) Robinson of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Sheryl Renee (Jason) Reich of Ft. Worth, Texas; grandsons, Zachary Robinson of Cape Girardeau, Benjamin Reich of Ft. Worth, and granddaughters, Mackenzie and Madelynne Robinson of Cape Girardeau. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, William Odum; nephews, William (Kelley) Odum of Millstadt, Illinois and Matthew Odum of Dupo, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 18th at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 19th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Koehler officiating. Burial will be held at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO at 1:00 pm Thursday, October 19th with full military rites by Missouri Honors Team. Memorials may be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church or to Wreaths Across America. Sterling's legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his strong faith, and his unwavering and sacrificial love for his family.

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Sterling Arnold Robinson

August 2, 1944 - October 14, 2023