H. Norris Robinson, 85, of Evansville, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2011, at his home. He was born March 19, 1926, in Fairmont, WV to Harry N. Sr. and Nelle Robinson.

The family moved to Evansville, where Norris graduated from Bosse High School in 1943. He then attended Purdue University until 1944, when he enlisted in the Navy. In 1946 he returned to Purdue and received a BSEE degree in 1949. While at Purdue he was a Kappa Sigma member, belong to the Gimlet Club, led the AIEE, and belonged to the EE Honorary Eta Kappa Nu.

Upon graduation, he joined Reliance Electric and Engineering Corp. of Cleveland and represented Reliance in its N.Y. sales office. In 1953 he returned to Evansville with Interstate Finance, now American General Finance. When he retired in 1989 he was Senior Vice President of American General Finance and President of Merit Life Insurance Company and Yosemite Insurance Company, subsidiaries of American General Finance.

Norris was a member of the Evansville Country Club, Kennel Club, Rotary Club and Charter and Property Casualty Underwriters. He was President of Evansville Insurance Agents and an Elder at First Presbyterian Church. He was on the board of the Evansville Museum, Evansville Philharmonic, American Red Cross, Youth Service Bureau, Consumer Credit and Insurance Association and Friends of Willard Library, where we had also served as President.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet (Noelting) Robinson, of Evansville, whom he married in 1954; daughter, Melinda Robinson of Frankfort, KY; sister, Patricia Pensis (Henri) of Oshkosh, WI; nephews, Henri Paul Pensis and Claude Pensis.

Services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church, 609 SE Second Street, officiated by Rev. Kevin Fleming, with entombment in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 609 SE Second Street, Evansville, IN 47713; Willard Library, 21 North First Avenue, Evansville, IN 47710; or Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, 3701 Bellemeade Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714.

May 17, 2011
I began working for Mr. Robinson in 1965 at Interstate Finance and enjoyed working with him for 13 years. Even though I moved on to different areas of the company, I always remembered he gave me my start in the workforce and I always appreciated that. He was a great boss & wonderful friend, husband & father. He will be greatly missed and I offer my prayers & sympathy to Janet & Mindy. May God bless you always!
Jenny Wagoner, Evansville, Indiana

May 18, 2011
First, our deepest, most loving condolences to Janet and Mindy. Both Anne and I love you guys and wish we could be there with you. Norris was 15 years my senior, and a cousin. But he was more like an older brother to me during those summers I'd spend in Evansville. It was Norris who taught me how to play tennis on the Butterworth's court. And years later, when I had to teach tennis basics to another gangly, uncoordinated kid, I remembered the patience Norris must have had to keep hitting balls to someone who didn't hit them back. Norris and Janet will always occupy a very special place in our hearts and I'm sure that heaven is a much happier, funnier, more lively place now that Norris is there. "Goodnight sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Requiescat in pace
Semper culti in memoria
Bob and Anne Feigel, New Zealand