Gerald Ray Robinette, 85, of Martin, Louisiana went home to the Lord on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Services will be held at Martin Baptist Church on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 10 A.M. with Bro. Richard Kaufman and Bro. James Hester officiating. Burial will follow in Martin Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Martin Baptist Church on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 5:30 P.M. until 8 P.M. under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home, Coushatta, Louisiana.

Gerald was born on August 14, 1935 to Melvin and Lillie McGee Robinette. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Edrith Robinette Sledge and Nelda Robinette Nelson.

Gerald grew up in Ashland, Louisiana where he graduated from Ashland High School. In 1958, he married Betty Lou Hunter. He was a member of Martin Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Gerald was a member of the Bremco Board, the Red River Co-op Board and was a Past Master at Ashland Masonic Lodge #196. He was also an El Karubah Shriner. Gerald owned Black Lake Poultry Farm and Black Lake Hereford Ranch. For many years, he hosted the Hen House Jamboree where fellow music lovers gathered to play, sing and visit. Gerald had a great love for Bluegrass Gospel and he and Betty attended many Bluegrass Festivals through the years. He was a talented musician and played the mandolin, guitar and fiddle and loved to sing.

Gerald loved helping others. He would often take food to shut ins and he loved sharing the gospel by passing out Christian tracts. He was known to carry candy in his pocket at all times for children.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Hunter Robinette of Martin, Louisiana; son, Chris Robinette and wife Vicky of Castor, Louisiana; daughter, Cathy Robinette Faust and husband Victor of Shreveport, Louisiana; son, Kevin Robinette and wife Sonya of Martin, Louisiana; son, Burt Robinette of Castor, Louisiana and son, Brit Robinette and wife Tabitha of Hartsville, South Carolina; grandchildren Wendi Wood, Emily Byrd, Stephen Robinette, Bryan Robinette, Miranda Robinette, Lily Robinette and Britton Robinette; great-grandchildren Emma Byrd, Kynlee Wood, Kase Wood and Amelia Robinette. He was lovingly known as Poppa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Honoring Gerald as pallbearers will be Chris Robinette, Kevin Robinette, Burt Robinette, Brit Robinette, Victor Faust, Stephen Robinette, Bryan Robinette and Britton Robinette. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Snead, Terrell Hester, Sammy Giddings, Wade Wood, Kase Wood, Gerry Norris, Jr., Chase Braggs, Michael Nelson, R.J. Nelson and Frank Auer.

The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to Dr. Gregory Bell, caregivers Alan Lawhorne and Carrie Futrell and Passages Hospice for their care and compassion.

---