Dr. John Y. Robnett left his earthly home at the age of 93 in Brownwood, on November 13, 2023. John was born on July 18, 1930, in Brownwood to F.Y. Robnett and Elizabeth Lee Robnett, both of Brownwood. He is the Great-Grandson of Dr. John David Robnett who was called to serve at First Baptist Brownwood in 1883, where he met Pioneer Missionary, Noah T. Byers and embraced his vision for a Baptist College in Central Texas. This partnership led to the founding of Howard Payne University in 1889.
During his childhood in Brownwood, John was involved in scouting, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1946 as part of Troop 8. He played the trumpet at both Brownwood High School and in college. John continued the rich HPU tradition of his founding Great-Grandfather and his father who as an English Professor at HPU, graduating from HPU in 1950 and Baylor College of Dentistry in 1954. He completed his service to his country in 1956 with the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force stationed at Castle Air Force Base in California. Following his time in the Air Force, John opened his private dental practice in Dallas. There he met and married the love of his life, Marion Speck on June 13, 1958. John and Marion had three sons, John Jr., David, and Mark. Together, they instilled in their boys a love of God, Family and Country.
John served on several Boards including Dallas Christian Academy, First Baptist Academy and served as President of the Board for the Dallas County Dental Society and the Dallas Mid-Winter Dental Conference. Both John and Marion were very involved with First Baptist Church of Dallas including teaching Sunday School for many years under the direction of Dr. W.A. Criswell.
Dr. Robnett practiced dentistry in Dallas for over 60 years. John, Marion, and their family enjoyed frequent trips to New Mexico and Colorado, as well as traveling abroad. John instilled in his boys a love of nature and the great outdoors with many hunting and fishing adventures. He also introduced them to skiing, enjoying many winter ski trips through the years.
Dr. John Robnett was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Brother. He is survived by his three sons, John Jr, David (wife Cindy) and Mark, his grandchildren, John III Robnett (wife Corey), Emily Haddock (husband Johnathon), Rylie Robnett, Chandler McCaskill (husband Ryder), Connor Robnett and Paige Robnett. He was blessed with seven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marion Robnett, Sister Gloria Robnett and his parents.
Visitation will be held at Heartland Funeral Home from 6 to 8 PM on Friday, November 17th. The family will gather for a private graveside service at Greenleaf Cemetery on Saturday, November 18th at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of life will be held at Coggin Avenue Baptist at 2:00 PM with Dr. Cory Hines presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Howard Payne University, Office of Advancement, PO Box 2369, Brownwood, TX 76804 or online at www.hputx.edu/give.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Robnett family at heartlandfuneralhome.com
