Jack Robison M.D., was born in Bartlesville OK on May 8 , 1922. He was raised by his aunt and uncle in Borger Texas, and attended the University of Texas undergrad and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston in the late 1940’s. After a brief stint in private practice, he completed his urology residency at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston and then joined the United States Air Force. Together, he and his wife served their country for more than 25 years, including the Philippines, Mississippi, Washington DC, Illinois, and finally San Antonio in 1965. Before his retirement from the Air Force, he served as Chief of Urology at Wilford Hall USAF Hospital and as Director of Hospital Services there. He was asked to join the medical faculty of the recently established The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he served until his untimely death in October 1975.
Not only was he a great raconteur and story-teller, using his soft Panhandle drawl to make a point, but he had a great sense of humor and laugh. He was considered an excellent experienced surgeon and urologist. All who knew him respected him as a wonderful human being, a dedicated surgical educator, and mentor. Dr. Robison was loved by his residents, patients, and students alike.
Ethellea Jane (Early) Robison was born December 20, 1927, in Stinnett, Texas. She married Jack on June 19, 1947. A graduate of Stinnett High School, she attended Texas Women’s College in Denton (later Texas State College for Women). Wherever Jack was assigned, she joined, and often directed community activities. She never hesitated to express her opinion, and was ahead of her time in being outspoken against bigotry and racial discrimination and in favor of nature conservation. She and Jack raised 3 children, Jay, Jon, and Jeri.
After Dr. Robison’s death, she worked as bookkeeper and secretary, most notably for the San Antonio Golf Association. She had a lifelong love of travel and adventure and a deep appreciation for art and culture. She served as president of her homeowners’ association for a number of years. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution San Antonio Chapter; the Military Civilian Wives association, the San Antonio Genealogical Society, Eastern Star, and she volunteered and supported numerous charities and organizations for veterans and military wives. Together with her daughter she edited and published the oral history of her maternal grandmother, Unbroken Circle. All who knew her realized she was a vibrant and unique individual -- outgoing and friendly, yet shrewd and independent, a Texan through and through, who held herself to the high standard of the values of her pioneer ancestors.