Zane Harding Robinson, age 94, of Dallas, Texas passed away on December 13, 2024. He lived a life of adventure, service to country, and deep family commitment. Born on October 6, 1930, on a farm near Tuscola, Texas, Zane was the son of William Spruiell Robinson and Gladys Veda Harding Robinson, and grew up experiencing the challenges and joys of farm life during the Great Depression and World War II.
From an early age, Zane harbored a love of flying. As a teenager, he saved money and took his first flying lessons at Ballinger Airport, soloing after just 8 or 9 flights despite his mother's initial concerns. This passion would define much of his future career.
Raised in rural West Texas, Zane developed a strong work ethic and love for the land from his parents. He graduated from Winters High School in 1948 and initially worked alongside his father farming and raising livestock. His life took a momentous turn when he joined the United States Air Force in 1952, beginning a distinguished 24-year military career during the Cold War that would take him around the world.
In 1950, Zane met the love of his life, La Rita, at a red stoplight in Ballinger, Texas. They were married on September 18, 1954, beginning a 70-year marriage filled with love, mutual respect, and shared adventures.
In July 1952, Zane accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was active in various churches of which he was a member. He and La Rita started a mission church in Hawaii, have been long standing members of Prestonwood Baptist Church, and supported various people and missions over the years.
As a pilot, Zane flew an impressive array of aircraft including the T-28, B-25, T-33, C-119, C-130, B-52, and O-1. He was based in numerous locations, including Lackland AFB (San Antonio, Texas), Goodfellow AFB (San Angelo, Texas), Randolph AFB (San Antonio, Texas), Ashiya Air Base (Japan), Sewart AFB (Smyrna, Tennessee), Barksdale AFB (Shreveport, Louisiana), 12th Air Force Headquarters in Waco Armed Forces Staff College (Norfolk, Virginia), Hickam AFB (Honolulu, Hawaii), and Kirtland AFB (Albuquerque, New Mexico). He served in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, earning multiple medals for his distinguished service.
In 1969, while stationed at Hickam AFB in Hawaii, he was part of the "Catch a Falling Star" program, whose mission was to retrieve packages ejected from orbiting spy satellites and catch them with C-130 airplanes. A rig on the back of the C-130 snagged the parachute as it was descending and then retrieved into the airplane.
They were blessed with four children: Lisa Suzanne, born in Ashiya, Japan; Anthony Alan, and Laura Leigh, who were both born in Smyrna, Tennessee; and Lana Sue, born in Shreveport, Louisiana.
After retiring from the Air Force in 1976, Zane pursued a real estate career in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He worked briefly for RECA Real Estate Company and continued his real estate work in San Antonio, Texas including 14 years with Ray Ellison Industries.
Zane enjoyed annual hunting and fishing with his buddies. Another passion was his love of photography. While stationed in Japan he would develop and print his own prints in the dark room. He captured some great images while in Vietnam also. He continued his hobby when in 2000, he attended a photography school with his daughter Laura in Wyoming, capturing incredible scenery and wildlife. He embraced the new digital processes. Other interests were researching his genealogy, and he loved exploring his family's history and preserving family stories.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Zane took immense pride in his children's achievements. All his children pursued higher education and established successful careers, a testament to the values he and La Rita instilled.
In 2000, the family celebrated his 70th birthday with an Alaskan cruise, a trip he had always dreamed of taking. They enjoyed a train journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks, visiting an Air Force friend who had made Alaska his home.
Zane is survived by his cherished wife, La Rita Gale Price Robinson; daughter, Lisa Waugaman (husband Donald); son, Anthony Robinson (longtime partner Maria Udarbe); grandson Tyger Elliot; daughter, Laura Robinson; daughter, Lana White (husband Bruce); grandson, Isaac Zane. He leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, and love that will continue to inspire his family for generations. Everyone who ever met him said he was the kindest man.
A Celebration of Zane's remarkable life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Zane’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/zane-harding-robinson. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
The family will receive friends for a refreshment gathering starting at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Presbyterian Hospice at 12477 Merit Drive, Dallas, Texas 75251 or Happy Hill Farm, 3846 North Highway 144, Granbury, Texas 76048, or the charity of your choice to honor his life.