Edgar Roland Robinson

Edgar Roland Robinson, 97, of Columbia MD peacefully passed away on April 24, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born October 10,1925 in Canonsburg PA to Alexander and Mamie Betts Robinson. He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers Floyd, Alexander Jr, Kenneth, daughter Robin Jean, and grandson Michael Harris.                                                      

Edgar graduated from Canonsburg High School in 1943. He was a star on the track team and loved competing in the 440M. After graduating high school, he was drafted into the Navy on February 7, 1944, where he completed Sonar School in Cape May NJ. He was honorably discharged on May 7, 1946, with the rank of SoM3/C. Edgar attended the University of Pittsburgh under the GI Bill after his service in the Navy.

On July 16,1948 he married Betty Ann Johnson, the love of his life. To this union were born three beautiful children. Edgar was employed by the US Postal Service as a Letter Carrier in Canonsburg. He continued with USPS as a mounted route driver in Peters Twp for a combined 38 years. There he was known as Robb. After retirement he went on to drive school buses for Peters Twp School District for 13 years. His friends there called him Edgar. His bus number was 55. Edgar was an active member of Payne AME Church in Canonsburg where he served as Treasurer on the Trustee Board and sang in the Payne Brotherhood Chorus. In later years he transferred his membership to St. Paul AME Church and served on the Trustee Board and sang in the Male Choir. Edgar Roland and Betty relocated to Columbia MD. in 2014. They found a church home at Hopkins United Methodist Church; Highland MD and Edgar became a member of the men’s choir.

Edgar had a love for music, jazz was his favorite. He learned to play the violin at age 9 and was in a Junior Symphony Group in Pittsburgh. He also loved to sing. After retiring completely, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and other family members on cruises and road trips. The highlight of his travels was with the Pittsburgh Symphony in January 2004 to celebrate Pope John Paul II. He attended art class and played Bocci with his Evergreen Bocci team, where he led them to several victories.

Edgar is survived by his wife, Betty Ann (Johnson), daughter Karen Harris (Gene Harris; deceased), son Marc (Gloria) Robinson. grandchildren Kellee’ Peebles (Antoine), Erin Harris, Myles Robinson. great grandchildren Antwaun Peebles and Nia Peebles. Nephews Michael Bolden (Tracey), Eric (Trish) Robinson, and Bobby Robinson, Nieces Pamela Bolden, and Kim Robinson Carver (Virgil), And a host of grand nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 6 PM on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in St. Paul AME Church, 16 Ridge Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.  Interment is private at Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.  Services have been entrusted to McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342.

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