Joe Ernest Robison

 Joe Robison November 3, 1938 – August 2, 2025

Joe Robison, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, and mentor, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Baytown, Texas, at the age of 86.

Born on November 3, 1938, in Dayton, Texas, Joe’s life was defined by a deep love of family, service to his country, and a lifelong dedication to the game of baseball. A standout athlete from an early age, Joe lettered in baseball, football, and basketball, graduating from Dayton High School in 1957. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he played two seasons of service baseball in England and was named to the United Kingdom All-Star team each year.

In 1962, Joe enrolled at Baylor University, where he would go on to letter three years as a pitcher for the Bears. He played a key role in leading the team to a Southwest Conference co-championship in 1966 and etched his name in program history as part of the first combined no-hitter. He remained at Baylor as an assistant coach in 1967 while earning his master’s degree.

After graduation, Joe returned to active duty with the Air Force, first stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. In 1969, he joined the faculty at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where he taught physical education and served as the head baseball coach for 14 years. With 282 wins and eight winning seasons, he retired in 1986 as the Academy’s all-time winningest baseball coach, earning the affectionate title of “Father of Air Force Baseball.” Former players remember him not just for his toughness and competitive spirit, but for his fairness and loyalty. As former player Deacon Winters (USAFA Class of 1980) said, “Coach Robison was a fierce competitor… I loved playing baseball for Coach Robison because he was tough, he was fair, and I knew he always had our back.”

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Joe continued his baseball legacy as a scout for the New York Yankees, covering Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. During his 15-year tenure, he played a role in building the Yankees teams that won four World Series titles between 1996 and 2000. He retired from the Yankees in 2000.

Joe’s impact on the game was recognized through numerous honors, including his induction into the Texas Scouts Association Hall of Fame in 2005, the inaugural class of the Dayton Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, and the Colorado Dugout Club Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2021.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy; his children Daniel, Lori, Melissa, and Joel; daughters-in-law Leslie and Erin; sons-in-law Darryn and Michael; six grandchildren—Emily (husband Teddy), Sam, Luke, Calista, Ava, and Jax; and three great-grandchildren—Hayes, Landry, and Collins.

Joe’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched—as a coach, mentor, teammate, and most importantly, as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His competitive spirit, unwavering integrity, and deep love for his family and the game of baseball will never be forgotten.

At the family’s request, no formal service will be held. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to honor Joe’s memory in their own personal way. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation in Joe Robison’s name.