Dr. O.A. Robinson

Dr. O.A. Robinson, age 84, passed away September 28, 2026, at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia, MO.

Orville Atterberre Robinson, known by his friends and students as “Berre” or “Doc R,” was born May 3, 1942, in Mesa, AZ. He was the son of the late Col. Orville Abraham and Marian Robinson.

Berre received a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1977, a masters in philosophy from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a bachelors from Westminster College in Fulton in classical language in 1964. He is the author of numerous academic publications and The Pretty Good, Really Cheap, Paperback Logic Book.

Berre served as a captain in the United States Air Force from 1966-1971. During that time, he was a USAF political analyst in Saigon, Vietnam. He saved many lives during the 1968 Tet Offensive in Cholon, a suburb of Saigon. In April 1968, he married his wife, Anne Dana, while on R and R (rest and relaxation) for five days in Honolulu, after which he returned to Vietnam for four more months of duty. Berre then received orders for Hickam AFB in Honolulu, where he and his wife resided for three years. During that time, he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

Doc R was Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion at Central Methodist University, where he taught for over 40 years, and vice president and dean of the college from 1992-1996. Countless students entered his classroom or office seeking knowledge or advice and often departed with something even more enduring: the ability to question thoughtfully, reason carefully, and approach life’s complexities with integrity and compassion. Doc R’s power to provoke discussion and critical thinking were second to none. His former students easily recognized his ability to thoughtfully converse, spread wisdom and generosity, respond with quick wit, and always show humility. Doc R established two CMU Hall of Sponsor scholarships in memory of his mother and mother-in-law. An O.A. “Doc R” and Anne Robinson Hall of Sponsors Scholarship was also established by Earl and Sunny Bates, long-time supporters of CMU. Doc R’s impact on CMU and the students he taught throughout the years will leave a long and lasting legacy. His spirit will endure through the numerous students’ lives he touched and the colleagues with whom he had the pleasure of working through the years.

Berre served on the board of trustees for Linn Memorial Methodist Church from 1978-1995, the Fayette Area Common Fund from 1987 to 1991, the Missouri 14^th Judicial Circuit Court Bar Ethics Committee from 1988-1989, the Fayette Park Board from 1988 to 2026, the American Heart Association Task Force on Ethics Education from 1989 to 1990, Howard Country Medical Ethics Group from 1990 to 1997, the Fayette Medical Clinic board from 1990 to 1999, the First Regional Disciplinary Committee of the Missouri Bar from 1998 to 2026, and served as Disciplinary Hearing Officer of the Missouri State Supreme Court from 1996 to 2026.

He received numerous awards including the 2014 Fayette Citizen of the Year award, an invitation to participate in the Oxford Round Table 2006 and 2008, E.E. Lamkin Prize in Latin from Westminster College, the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Chester E. Hanson Award for Outstanding Teaching from CMU,  the ODK Gold Chalk Award for Outstanding Teaching from CMU, the Kincaid Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education from CMU, the Outstanding Educator Award from the United Methodist Church Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, the Master Teacher Award from CMU, and the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Teacher.

Berre was a member of the Ulysses S. Grant Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Missouri Credit Union, Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honorary fraternity, Phi Gamma Mu national social science honorary society, Fayette Rotary Club, Phi Sigma Tau national philosophy honorary society, and Sigma Epsilon Pi national academic honorary fraternity.

Survivors include his wife Anne Robinson, brother-in-law Ellis W. Dana, and sister-in-law Trudy Dana, five nieces and nephews Kaie Sutherland, Greg Sutherland, Jennifer Steinhagen, Amanda Macindoe, and Marian Macindoe; six great-nieces and nephews Annika Steinhagen, Linda Steinhagen, Max Macindoe, Julian Macindoe, West Macindoe, and Rose Macindoe. Berre is also survived by a host of friends and former students. Berre is preceded in death by Col. Orville Abraham and Marin Robinson.

Memorial services are to be held at Linn Memorial Methodist Church in Fayette on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Heiffer International or Mid-Missouri Fisher House at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital supporting military and veteran families, in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 112 Market Street, Glasgow, MO 65254.