Charles Moore Robinson III “Buzz”

Noted Valley author, historian, educator, and adventurer Charles Moore Robinson, III, embarked on his next great journey on September 18, 2012.

Charles was born in Harlingen on May 25, 1949 to Reverend Charles Moore Robinson, Jr., and Rosalyn Crispin Robinson, both of whom preceded him in death.

At age 14, he first demonstrated his exceptional writing skills when he produced the numismatic catalogue “Coins of Guatemala”, followed by “The Coins of Central America” at age 16. Both of these catalogues continue to this day as the definitive works in their field.

Charles left high school before graduation and found employment on a Norwegian merchant vessel that was bound for Brazil. Speaking fluent Spanish, he persuaded the captain that he could serve as a Portuguese interpreter in Brazil. Although he spoke no Portuguese, he reasoned that he would learn it on their way south — and did.

Charles spent the next few years travelling in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, from Brazil, to Africa and Scandinavia. He returned to Texas, earned his GED, and began work for newspapers in the Valley. He eventually rose to the position of Editor of newspapers in Harlingen, San Benito, and Weslaco. During this time, he married his wife Perla (Torres) and together they adopted his beloved daughter Rita. It also was during this time that he began to write in earnest, focusing upon his love of American and Western American History.

Charles eventually returned to school and gained his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Saint Edwards University in Austin, and his Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Texas, Pan American. He also found his niche as a professor of history at South Texas College in McAllen.

Charles wrote over 20 books and numerous articles on topics ranging from Native American history to firearms. He often was acknowledged for his expertise, appearing on the History Channel, being invited to Oxford University in England to present an academic paper, and serving as a guest speaker at numerous national and international seminars. He received the T.R. Fehrenbach book award for outstanding research, study, and publication in the field of Texas History, was named Instructor of the Year at South Texas College in 2007, and was honored with Charles M Robinson, III Day on May 19, 2012 in San Benito.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Perla.

He is survived in his immediate family by his daughter, Rita Saldaña of Harlingen, Texas, her husband Daniel Sr., his grandchildren Daniel Jr., Aaron, and Catherine, his brother Ross (Cris) and his family of Austin, Douglas Plaistad of Houston, whom the Robinsons consider as a brother, and his forever friend, Wesley, the Cocker Spaniel.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 22 at All Saints Episcopal Church in San Benito, followed by burial at Mont Meta Cemetery, also in San Benito.

A reception for family and friends will follow at the First Presbyterian Church in San Benito.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Stoll, Wayne Powell, Fred Wasielewski, Christopher Nelson, and Juan Mejia, with William Carter and Tony Ramirez serving as an honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests persons to consider donating to one of the following non-profit organizations that promote tobacco-free living:

 

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids

1400 I Street, NW

Suite 1200

Washington, DC 20005

 

American Legacy Foundation

1724 Massachusetts Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20036

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2012/09/21/charles-moore-robinson-iii-buzz/

2 comments

  1. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr Robinson we would always talk about the local history and espacaly on the topic of the Palo Alto Batte Field and the Mexican American War. My grandfather passed down Mexican Saber that my dad passed on to me I had Mr Robinson look at it and Charles gave me alot of informatin on it and it’s origin and who might have used it . The sword is a saber used by the Mexican Calvery during the Mexican American War. I will always remember him placeing his arms back placeing his hands on his waist as he talked.

    • Lollie Ramiez-Bennett on September 23, 2012 at 1:21 pm
    • Reply

    My mother served as Charles & Cris’s nanny when they were young boys. Charles remained a closed family friend thoughout his life. It was always a pleasure to run into him as he always had a story to share. He certainly lived a full & accomplished life. We will miss him! Our condolences to Cris, Rita & the rest of the Robinson family.

    LRB

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