Jerry Owen Robinette

He graduated from Texas A & M University in 1954 where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and a baseball Letterman. From there he entered the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant and later served in Viet Nam. He flew 168 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom. His successes earned him the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and many other awards of merit. He earned his Masters Degree from The George Washington University. Other career assignments included service at the Pentagon and the National War College in Washington, DC, and as Group Commander at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Jerry retired as a Colonel after 24 years in the Air Force. His last tour of duty was serving as the Commander of Air Force ROTC at the University of Texas in Austin. He was the first Texas Aggie to hold that position.

He was an accomplished martial artist with Black Belts in two disciplines. During retirement, Jerry stayed active by incorporating his unique approach to personal protection training through his establishment of the Robinette Academy of Personal Protection. For more than twenty years he trained law enforcement officers and private citizens. Many of these have become precious members of the Colonel's extended family.

Colonel Robinette is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ann; his son Gary and his wife, Perri; his son Patrick and his wife, Polly; his daughter Kimberly and her husband, Robert; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of friends.

He leaves a rich legacy that will echo into eternity.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project at: WoundedWarriorProject.org.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Bannockburn Baptist Church, located at 7100 Brodie Lane with full military honors rendered by the U.S. Air Force. Interment will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park Cemetery.