Roscoe C. Robison

WORCESTER - The Rev. Dr. Roscoe C. Robison, a dedicated clergyman who served his community and country with unwavering devotion, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2023, at the age of 100 in his home at the Briarwood retirement community in Worcester. Born and raised in Oswego, Kansas, Roscoe was the son of John Henderson Robison and Anna Lois (Livesay) Robison. He spent all of his professional career in various spots in New England and in retirement lived the last 26 years of his life in Worcester. Alongside his beloved wife and partner of 78 years, Nina (Detwiler) Robison, he created a legacy of love, faith, and service.

Roscoe is survived by his daughter, Christyn (Robison) Billinsky of Columbia, SC; his son and daughter in law Curtis and Delphine Robison of Windsor, CT; his grandchildren, Kathryn, Peter, John, Christopher, Nolwenn, and Kaelig; his great-grandchildren, Trevor, Henry, Eleanor, and Koa; a sister and brother in law, Roberta (Robison) and Clifford Vance of Oswego, Kansas; and by Joyce Okraku, who lovingly and compassionately cared for both Roscoe and Nina during the past six years. He was predeceased by his wife, Nina, as well as five siblings, Roland, Ruby (Robison) Campbell, Wilford, Ray, and John.

Roscoe was raised on his family's dairy farm in Oswego, Kansas. It was a sanctuary where he discovered the beauty of hard work, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the importance of family bonds. His connection to the land was profound, and it laid the foundation for the values he carried with him throughout his life. A distinguished scholar, Roscoe graduated as the Valedictorian of his class from Oswego High School. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Ottawa University before enlisting in the United States Navy at the outbreak of WWII where he was accepted into the V-12 officer training program. While in the V-12 program with the Navy, he earned his bachelor's degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and then continued in the V-12 program earning a Master of Sacred Theology at Andover Newton Theological School in 1947. Twenty-five years later he was granted a Doctor of Divinity degree from Andover Newton.

In 1944, Roscoe married Nina Detwiler, whom he met at Ottawa University. Newly married and while still finishing his studies at Andover Newton he was called to his first parish ministry, The First Baptist Church of Grafton in Grafton, MA. He was ordained while serving at Grafton and then his journey continued as an associate pastor at the First Baptist Church of Medford in 1950. In 1954, he became the head pastor at Central Square Baptist church in Portland, Maine. In 1961, he moved to Providence, where he served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church until 1974. For the next fifteen years, he dedicated his service as the Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches in Massachusetts. From the very beginning and throughout his career he was recognized as being an extremely able administrator, recruiter, and fundraiser in service to his ministry. Following his retirement in 1989, Roscoe continued to contribute to the American Baptist Church community by offering his expertise as a consultant and advisor for retiring and newly retired clergy.

Throughout his career, Roscoe served on numerous boards, including Andover Newton Theological School, and the board of the Briarwood Retirement Community. Later he held the position of president of the Briarwood Community Resident's Association. His contributions were recognized with various awards, including The Daniel Sharp D.D. Award, a lifetime Achievement Award from the Minister's Conference for his long and effective service to the ministry. Also, both he and his wife, Nina, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Ottawa University.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Roscoe found great joy and meaning in constant support of his ever-growing family. He was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather - a continuous source of inspiration to his family members, he did all he could to encourage and support their interests and academic pursuits. As one of his grandchildren put it "he was a really important fixture in our world and a source and symbol of stability and compassion throughout our whole lives". Later in life Rocky loved telling stories about growing up in Kansas some 90 years earlier. These stories are treasured by his family.

Roscoe and Nina had agreed together that they wished to have a combined service for the two of them that would take place after the last had died. They were inseparable in both life and death. After Nina's passing, Roscoe was certainly hoping to be reunited with his beloved wife. A memorial service celebrating the lives of both Nina Robison and Roscoe Robison will be held at 11 am on Thursday, December 28, at the First Baptist Church, 111 Park Avenue, Worcester MA. The memorial service in the church will be followed by a celebration of life and reception at the Briarwood Community 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in their names to any of the following four organizations (either online or in the mail): The Briarwood Retirement Community 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester MA 01606; Calvary Baptist Church, 747 Broad St. Providence, RI 02907; First Baptist Church of Worcester, MA; The Oceanwood Camp and Conference Center P.O. Box 7338, Ocean Park, ME 04043.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

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