William H. Robinson

William H. Robinson, 92, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026.

Raised in Bakersfield, California alongside his younger brother, Roy, William was a cowboy at heart who spoke like John Wayne about “hitting the dusty trail” or “Gittin outta Dodge” whenever it was time to leave. Together, he and Roy shared a childhood full of adventures—from hopping freight trains to swimming in the Kern River.

William proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, he was stationed in Japan and served as a Parachute Rigger with the 2901st Aircraft Repair Squadron. He was awarded several honors, including the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Following his military service, William worked for various print shops before establishing his own business, National Photo Tech, in Southern California. It was there that he and his former wife, Alice, raised their three children: Rhonda, Billy, and Mark. Not to mention Charlie the cockatiel and Islop the springer spaniel.

An avid collector of model trains, firearms, cars, and motorcycles, Bill cherished the freedom of the open road. He frequently embarked on solo road trips in his El Camino to visit his children in Iowa.

Later in life, he shared several wonderful years with his long-term partner, Jeannine, discovering a deep love for the quiet central coast during their frequent trips to Cayucos, California with their beloved dogs, Ginger, Spice, and Lucky.

He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Alice Robinson, as well as his long-term partner, Jeannine. William is survived by his children: Mark and his wife Patty, Billy and his wife Venus, and Rhonda and her husband Tom; his grandchildren, Tyler and Stephanie; and his great-grandchildren, Cameron and Mason. He is also remembered by his brother, Roy Robinson; his cousin, Estelle; and Jeannine’s son Brett, his wife Paige, and their daughters, Kate and Alison.

Nothing captured William’s routine quite like his afternoon ritual: pouring a glass of Emmets Irish Cream over ice, settling in, and taking a well-earned moment to unwind. Whenever you find yourself raising a glass of Emmets on a quiet afternoon, take a moment to think of Wild Bill hitting that dusty trail one last time.