Sterling Robinson

Sterling Arnold Robinson, a devoted husband, loving father and proud veteran, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Cape Girardeau at the age of 79.

He was born Aug. 2, 1944, in St. Louis to Sterling and Minnie Rosetta 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 U.S. 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 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 train yards 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 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, Illinois, and Illmo. While the names and livery colors on the engines would change — from the gray and white of Cotton Belt, to the scarlet and gray of Southern Pacific, to the blaze yellow and red of 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 who 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 Robinson; son, Gregory (Ellen) Robinson of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Sheryl Renee (Jason) Reich of Fort Worth, Texas; grandsons, Zachary Robinson of Cape Girardeau and Benjamin Reich of Fort Worth; and granddaughters, Mackenzie and Madelynne Robinson of Cape Girardeau. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, William Odum, and nephews, William (Kelley) Odum of Millstadt, Illinois, and Matthew Odum of Dupo, Illinois.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the church, with Pastor Tim Koehler officiating. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, 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.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.