Donald Walter "Don" Robinson

Donald Walter Robinson, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Hospice of Dayton.

Don was an avid walker and runner, having completed at least one 10K walk (Volksmarch) and one full marathon in every state in the United States. He ran a total of 117 marathons - he also participated in many triathlons and ultramarathons throughout the country, running his final marathon at age 82.

Don was born on September 17, 1936, to Walter and Dorothea Robinson in Athol, Massachusetts. He graduated from Athol High School in 1954, and then joined the Air Force on a whim. While serving at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL, Don met Carolyn Toppe at a Steak & Shake. After a brief courtship, they married in March of 1958, and had three children - Susie, Bill and Karen.

After leaving active duty in the military, Don continued to work in the Air Force as a civilian. He received his BA in Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma in 1970, a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Indiana in 1972, and a degree in National Security Management from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1975. He was the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) for the F-15 and F-16 System Program Office for most of his career. At the time, the F-16 was the largest Department of Defense Procurement Program in history. After leaving the Air Force, he continued to work as a consultant for various Procurement and Contract programs, as long as it didn't interfere with his running.

When not training for a marathon, Don could be found at Xenia United Presbyterian Church or any of the area YMCA's. Don was known for his sense of humor and his devotion to his family.

The family would like to extend a deep appreciation to Hospice of Dayton for their wonderful care in his final hours.

He is survived by daughters, Susie (Dave) Johnston of Centerville, OH, and Karen (Steve) Boettcher of Beavercreek, OH; son, Bill (Laura) Robinson of Arlington Heights, IL; grandchildren, Anna (Mike) Gonzalez, Meg Johnston, Morgan Detty, Blake (Rachel) Robinson, Shannon Johnston, Connor (Olivia) Detty and Ellie Robinson; and great-grandchild, Liam Gonzalez; as well as many precious friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dorothea Robinson; and his wife, Carolyn Robinson.

Don will be interred at Dayton National Cemetery where he will join his wife Carolyn and a celebration of life is being planned for this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local YMCA or the Xenia United Presbyterian Church.

To share a memory of Don or leave a special message for his family, please visit the Guestbook below.

"The Love of a Father...

A father’s love shines

through his strength and

his gentleness, through

his kindness and concern...

It shines through

everything he does. It

is reflected in the

special warmth and

closeness he shares with

his family... it is reflected

in the love his family

has for him."