Roger Robison

Roger S. Robison, 92 of Elkhart, IN passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at his home. Roger was born on June 15, 1933 in Montpelier, Ohio to Harry and Herma Robison.  He married Viola J. Shoemaker on May 31, 1963 in Toledo, OH. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2022.

A product of a one room schoolhouse (eight grades and one teacher) and no electricity until Rural Electric Association came in 1938. He was blessed with ambitious, independent and loving parents. Their motto was "Hard work, ingenuity and persistence". Roger loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, sports, travel and anything new. He was always attracted to water, including water skiing. He played high school football and track. He was proud to have been offered a scholarship by Ara Parseghian to Miami of Ohio and by Woody Hayes to Ohio State University. Roger graduated from Montpelier High School with honors and attended Ohio State University for 2 years until he was drafted in 1953. He served in the 11th Airborne Division, Tank Battalion as a driver during the Korean Conflict until 1955. He completed his education, graduating from Tri-State University with a Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1959. He worked for General Motors Foundry in Defiance, OH, Owens-Illinois in Toledo, OH and 31 years with Miles Laboratories in Elkhart where he retired in 1995. He primarily did projects for Miles Consumer Products Division, managed building projects in Elkhart and expansions in West Haven, Connecticut.

Roger met Viola Shoemaker while at Owens-Illinois Technical Center during a company production of Guys and Dolls. Viola was a lead dancer for the play. They married May 31, 1963 at Central Avenue United Methodist Church, Toledo, OH. They moved to Elkhart in January 1964 to accept the position at Miles.

Roger is survived by his children Steve Robison of Vandalia, MI and Gwen Robison of Elkhart, IN., his granddaughters, Nicole Robison, Paige Robison and Madison Robison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Herma Robison, his dear wife of 59 years, Viola, and his brothers Harry and Jack Robison.

Friends may visit with family from 11am -1pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone, Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where a funeral service will be at 1pm with Pastor Keith McFarren officiating. Online Condolences may be made to his family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com