William “Bill” Robinson, 77, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Ottumwa, Iowa, on July 20, 2026.
Bill was born on February 13, 1949, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Harry Yomen and Helen Mooney. He was raised by his stepfather, Daniel Robinson. He was preceded in death by Harry, Helen, and Daniel.
He is survived by his three beloved sons: Will (Allison) Robinson, Scotty (Jaimie) Robinson, and Drew Robinson. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Ligea Clark Robinson, and Stacy Clark Robinson, with whom he shared many years of life together. Bill and his sons shared many years together with their mother, Debbie Sowle Robinson, who remains an important part of their family story.
Bill was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Hayden and Gage Holliman, children of Ligea; Katelyn, Chloe, and Blake Robinson, children of Will and Allison; and Aiden Robinson, son of Scotty and Jaimie. Being a grandpa was one of the greatest joys of his life. Whether in Iowa or making countless trips to the Chicago area, he was a constant presence in the stands, proudly cheering on his grandchildren at soccer, basketball, baseball, and track and field events. They knew they could always count on Grandpa being there.
He is also survived by his brother, Danny Robinson, and sister, Dora Robinson. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Betty (Howard) Robinson, Marie Robinson, and Marilyn (Lindsey) Robinson.
As a young man, Bill excelled as both a wrestler and a boxer. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1968 and continued his education at Indian Hills Community College and Black Hawk College. He spent 32 years working as a bricklayer before finishing his career as a boilermaker for another 10 years.
Boxing was Bill’s lifelong passion. A four-time Iowa Golden Gloves Champion, Bill loved the sport of boxing and the impact it could have on young people’s lives. In 1973, Bill founded the Ottumwa Boxing Club because he wanted to give local kids a place to learn, grow, and find their way. Over the years, the club became much more than a place to box. Bill was a coach, mentor, father figure, employer, and friend to many of the young people who walked through its doors. He cared about his fighters both in and out of the ring and was proud to help them grow and succeed. Even after stepping away from coaching, Bill stayed involved with the club and continued supporting boxing in the Ottumwa community. In 2016, Bill was honored with induction into the Iowa Boxing Association Hall of Fame for his contributions to boxing and his community.
In addition to his accomplishments in boxing, Bill spent decades volunteering in the baseball and softball community. He served as president of several leagues, coached countless teams, and made a positive impact on hundreds of boys and girls over the years.
To know Bill was to love him. He had a big personality, a great sense of humor, and a heart for people. He was always willing to help, offer encouragement, or make someone laugh. Bill cared deeply about others and made a difference in the lives of so many people. He will be missed by his family, friends, and all those who were lucky enough to know him. Above all, Bill loved his family, his community, and the many people he was able to mentor throughout his life.
His body has been cremated. A celebration of Bill’s life will be announced at a later date.
Bill’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the athletes he inspired, and the countless lives he forever changed.
