Robinson Funeral Home

02/24/2026

Andy DeSantis

Andrew Clarence Desantis, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026 at NMMC-West Point, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 20, 1948 in Jacksonville, FL to the late Martha Hurst and Joseph DeSantis, Andy lived a life marked by service, strength, and deep devotion to those he loved. A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served two tours in Vietnam. His commitment to serving others continued throughout his career in law enforcement, where he worked for many years as a corrections officer and evidence technician.

Andy loved the Lord deeply and, as a member of First Presbyterian Church of West Point, enjoyed attending his Sunday school class when his health allowed. He was an avid reader who enjoyed learning and staying informed. He loved the outdoors-especially hunting and fishing-and found great joy in training his prized dog, Gunner.

He is survived by his loving wife Louann DeSantis of West Point; 2 sons, Lt. Col. (Ret) Andrew C. DeSantis, Jr. (Rebecca) of West Point, David M. DeSantis (Jodie) of FL; his sister, Darby Suess of Ohio; his cherished grandchildren, A1C Luke DeSantis, Jane DeSantis, Dylan DeSantis, Drew DeSantis; and his nephews, John Suess (Holly) and Adam Suess (Michelle).

Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church of West Point at 10 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026. A memorial service will follow at 11 AM at the church. Andy will then be laid to rest at the North MS Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, MS with the honor and gratitude due to his faithful service.

Memorials may be made to Sally Kate Winters Family Services-Home PO Box 1233 West Point, MS 39773.

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02/23/2026

Lawrence Frye

Lawrence James Frye passed away Sunday February 22, 2026 at his residence at the age of 78. He was born June 23, 1947 in New Jersey to the late Glen and Alice Frye. He served his country in the US Army and then traveled all over the US as a professional card gambler.

He is survived by his wife, Annie Goodson Frye; son, Barry; 2 daughters, Mary Beth and her husband Peter, Sallie and her husband Eric; brother, Edward and his wife Kathy; nephews, Jimmy Taggart, Joe Taggart, Pettis Taggart, Criss Taggart; nieces, Jona and Jeri Jo; one grandchild, Lily.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Jay.

No services are scheduled at this time.

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02/23/2026

Bobby Joe Champion passed away Saturday February 21, 2026 at Baptist Memorial Hospital- Golden Triangle. He was born June 15, 1935 to the late Joseph Presley Champion and Sarah Carty Champion. Bobby worked at B&W for over thirty years until he retired. Even at the age of 90, he was still active with his friends and neighbors in the Pheba and Cedar Bluff Community.

He is survived by a special friend, Donna Macon; a son John Robert Champion (Pam); a daughter Linda Champion Sullivan; grandchildren, Ashley Gentry, Justin Sullivan, Wesley Champion (Kaitlin), John Taylor Champion (Chaney), Alana Jacobs (D.R.), Amber Avent (Jonathan); great grandchildren, Eden Gentry, John Paul Gentry, Cooper Gentry, Tucker Trull, Hal Jacobs, Jaxon Avent, Amelia Avent, John Maddox Champion, Jase Champion, Mills Champion, Perry Pate Champion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris Pate Champion; a son, Joe Champion; grandson, Josh Sullivan; son-in-law, Roger Sullivan; grandson-in-law, Daniel Gentry.

Funeral Services will be 3 PM Monday February 23, 2026 at Robinson Funeral Home officiated by John Taylor Champion and Brad Lathem. Visitation will be from 1-3 PM Monday at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Wesley Champion, John Taylor Champion, Sonny Sizemore, Randy Vance, D.R. Jacobs, John Paul Gentry. Honorary Pallbearers are Butch Childs, Tucker Trull, Larry Walker, Zack Walker, Kenneth McKee, David Blansett, Eddie Strickland, Eddie Fuller, Members of Montpelier Masonic Lodge, many friends in Pheba and Cedar Bluff Community.

Memorials may be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America 505 Eighth Ave. Suite 1402 New York, NY 10018.

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02/22/2026

Kitty Ward

Kathryn “Kitty” Elizabeth Ward, born October 4, 1929, in Shannon, Mississippi, to Holly Veron and Clara Elizabeth Jackson, lived a life defined by faith, love, and quiet sacrifice. Kitty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Howard Ward Jr., whom she loved with unwavering devotion for so many years, as well as her cherished daughters, Clara Mae Mayfield and Bonnie Jean Duke. She is also preceded by her beloved sister Aylene Bowen.

While our hearts ache knowing they are reunited, we can only imagine the joyful noise in Heaven when she arrived.

She is survived by her grandchildren: Gina Williams (Max), Lauren Duke, Homer Duke (Robin), and Holly Coker (Corbin). She also leaves behind a legacy of love in her great-grandchildren: Zach Williams, Chelsea Smith, Chris Smith, Stella Coker, Harper Coker, Charleigh Coker, and Charlotte Coker, along with one great-great-grandchild, Kelsey Fields. Each of them carries a piece of her warmth and of her strength. Kitty had a deep and abiding love for her many nieces and nephews, whom she treated as her very own. She didn’t make distinctions when it came to family: if you belonged to her, you belonged fully. She celebrated their joys and prayed over their burdens. To them, she was more than an aunt; she was a steady presence and a source of encouragement and love. She loved to cook, and no one ever left her table hungry. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, storytelling, and second helpings whether you asked for them or not. As children, we would crawl into her lap, and she would sing to us with a sweetness that made the whole world feel safe. Even now, we can almost hear her voice. Mamaw loved the Lord deeply. She was one of His most faithful servants. She didn’t preach with words as much as she preached with her life. She was the most unselfish person we have ever known, always putting others first, always giving more than she took. And while she was sweet and selfless, make no mistake, when it came to playing cards, Mamaw could turn competitive in a second. She would become laser focused, and she absolutely intended to win. We’re fairly certain she’s already found a card table in Heaven.

She leaves behind a family shaped by her prayers, strengthened by her example, and forever grateful for the gift of her life. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Proverbs 17.6: “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents.”

Service announcements will be announced at a later date.

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02/15/2026

Keri Byrd

Keri Nicole Byrd passed away February 14, 2026 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle at the age of 41. She was born December 20, 1984. Keri was truly one of a kind. She had a remarkable gift for remembering everyone she met, and if you ran into her again, you could always count on being greeted with a big hug and her radiant smile. That smile could light up any room, and she was deeply loved by so many. She had a special fondness for the music of Elvis Presley and KISS. Keri enjoyed participating in activities with Golden Triangle Outdoors and Challenger Baseball including softball, hunting, and fishing. She proudly earned many medals through her involvement in Special Olympics. Above all, she cherished expressing her love through writing and drawing for the many people she held dear.

She was a devoted member of The Salvation Army church in Columbus, where her faith and love for her church family were central to her life. She generously gave her time volunteering at Angels on a Mission Thrift Store and the local Salvation Army store, always eager to serve others with kindness and compassion. After completing training with ACT Center, she proudly participated in vocational rehabilitation services, which helped her achieve meaningful employment. She worked faithfully as a support staff member at Chili’s for 12 years and later served as a pizza box quality control associate at Lost Pizza for two years. She took great pride in her work and in the independence and purpose in life.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Jimmy and Betty Stevenson.

She is survived by her father, John Byrd of West Point; her mother, Susie Byrd of West Point; brother, John ‘Chris’ Byrd; sisters, Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Byrd, Rachel Johnson; grandparents, Kenneth and Jane Byrd; aunts and uncles, Ken and Dawn Byrd, Carolyn and Tim Golson; great aunt, Diane McLemore. She was a proud aunt of two nephews Justin and Zackery Byrd and a niece Ronnie Kay Byrd.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Tuesday February 17, 2026 at Siloam Methodist Church with Rev. Raleigh Richter officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be James Watson, Adam Winfield, Lamar Byrd, David Waldrep, Wyatt Pumphrey, Magers Anderson. Josh Norton will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Visitation with family and friends will be 1-2 PM Tuesday at the church.

A special thanks to all nurses, doctors, and staff who treated her with special care, concern, and love throughout her life.

Memorials can be made to Golden Triangle Outdoors PO Box 2014 Columbus, MS 39704 or McPherson Cemetery Fund C/O Luke Robinson PO Box 732 West Point, MS 39773.

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01/28/2026

Fox Haas

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Fox, 95. Carl Fox Haas passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, January 25, with his wife Evelyn and children Shurley, Toxey and Nina by his side. He was known by Papaw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “Daddy” to his kids and “Mr. Fox” to everyone else.

Born on August 20, 1930 in Mobile, Alabama, the youngest of three sons born to World War One Veteran Toxey and Maurine Haas. Fox’s life was one of loyalty, patience and honor in business, family and hunting. Fox grew up in Mobile and shortly after starting college was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He spent four of his years from 17 to 23 in the sanatorium, where he no doubt developed his legendary patience and resilience. After recovering, he re-enrolled at Mississippi State University for a degree in Animal Husbandry, served as President of Sigma Chi, and where he met his beloved Evelyn. In hindsight, the future of the Haas family was predicated on Fox’s illness and subsequent delay in his college years. In spite of the speculation that his dose of the cure for tuberculosis could prevent him from having children, they married anyway and moved to nearby West Point. Soon after, Evelyn gave birth to their first child, a daughter, Shurley, In the following years, their son Toxey and another daughter Nina were born.

Fox took a job with Bryan Foods. He spent his entire career there working for George and John Bryan, whom he respected immensely. Fox retired as VP of Procurement. Fox was in charge of Bryan’s relationships with farmers across the south, midwest and Texas and oversaw these operations more broadly. Bryan grew to be one of the nation’s largest producers of meat products, and, as a testament to a bygone era, Fox managed every relationship with nothing more than his word and a handshake.

Fox was obsessed with the outdoors from a young age. He grew up in Mobile on the water, running the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers and Mobile Bay with his brothers Albert and Toxey, and in the woods chasing deer, ducks, squirrels and what few wild turkeys remained. He killed his first turkey in 1944 which lit a fire that was never extinguished. As a teenager; he would ride his bike up to twenty miles to hunt. He later joined the legendary Choctaw Bluff Hunting Club, a place and people he cherished dearly.

When his son Toxey was old enough to hunt, there was still no wild turkey population in West Point. Fox would make the drive down to Choctaw Bluff with Toxey in tow. In the early 1970s, Fox took matters into his own hands and worked with the state to restock wild turkeys in West Point and protect them for the requisite years. This seed stock was used for more restocking efforts around the state.

Fox was known as a gamekeeper and the consummate woodsman.

In 1986 Toxey founded Mossy Oak, an idea he developed at Choctaw Bluff while hunting with Fox. The back half of Fox’s life took on a whole new meaning. Fox served as CFO, but his impact on the spirit and culture was far greater than any job title could capture. Together, Toxey and Fox grew Mossy Oak with a culture of conservation and woodsmanship at its core. This developed beyond the core business into Gamekeepers, a native tree nursery, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Properties and more.

Mossy Oak’s charity event is named in his honor, the Fox Hole Shootout, benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital, Catch-a-Dream and various wildlife conservation initiatives all dear to Fox and Evelyn. Mossy Oak Properties gives the annual Fox Haas Award in his honor. In 2023, the National Wild Turkey Federation Foundation established the Fox Haas Lifetime Achievement Conservation Award. Appropriately, the first recipient was Col. Tom Kelly. In his local community, he also served on the Renasant Bank and Tombigbee Water Management Boards and as President of the Oak Hill School Board.

Fox is survived by his wife, Evelyn; daughter, Shurley (Bill) Sugg; son, Toxey (Diane) Haas; daughter, Nina (Page) Davidson; grandchildren, Sara Frances Haas Stubbs (Vandy), Daniel (Caroline) Haas, Neill (Hillary) Haas, Bill (Elvita), Gregory (Jessi), Anne Peyton, Jessie Davidson Virgin (Kevin), Ellie Davidson Stevens (John Willis) and Jack Davidson, and seven (soon to be eight) great-grandchildren.

Fox loved the land and wildlife, and he loved taking care of it. His words in his later years carry this message that he preached until the day he passed:

“I believe it’s important to take care of the things we love. My friends ask me what a man my age is doing planting hardwoods. I believe the good that men do will live long after they’re gone.”

In the form of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, through Mossy Oak, around West Point, in the woods he hunted and all across the hunting world, the good he did will live on forever.

There is no place Fox loved more than being in the woods, and in Fox’s later years, his two guardian angels - wife Evelyn and West Point’s Dr. Ned Miller - kept him going.

Special thanks as well to caregivers Belinda Perry, Latoria Benamon, Pearlina Shelton and Jearlean Cu***ng, the ICU Nurses of NMMC, the Home Healthcare Nurses of NMMC and Hospice Nurse Keena Kaiser.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Monday, February 2, 2026.

In memory of Fox Haas, donations may be made to the Dr. Ned Miller Fox Haas Rural Medicine Fund - a grant program intended to foster long term physician/patient relationships by providing support to the practice of rural primary care medicine.

Checks may be made payable to: The Fox Foundation Memorial Fund @ CREATE PO Box 1053 Tupelo, MS 38802.

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01/27/2026

Funeral services for Carl Fox Haas will be 11 AM Monday February 2, 2026 at First United Methodist Church.
A full obit will be posted when information becomes available.

01/25/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved Mr. Fox has flown up to his heavenly roost. Mr. Fox passed peacefully in his home, with his wife Evelyn and three children, Shurley, Toxey and Nina, by his side. His house was full of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren until the day he died, and through his bedroom window, turkeys and deer still passed through his backyard hardwoods.

While we continue to find the words to honor his incredible life and legacy, for now, we remember the words of Mr. Fox:

“I believe it’s important to take care of the things we love. My friends ask me what a man my age is doing planting hardwoods. I believe the good that men do will live long after they’re gone.”

In the form of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, through Mossy Oak, around West Point, in the woods and in the hunting world, the good he did will live long after he’s gone.

"Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches… the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work." Psalm 104:12-13

01/17/2026

Beverly Campbell

Beverly Arrington Campbell of McKinney, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at the age of 76. Although Beverly resided in McKinney for the past seven years, she spent most of her life in West Point, Mississippi—the place she always considered home. Beverly was known for her creativity, which was evident in everything she touched and for the meaningful friendships she forged with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Beverly was born on August 25, 1949 in Grenada, Mississippi, to Virgil Homer Arrington and Janet Brown Arrington Farish. She grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and attended Hillsboro High School before graduating from Coffeeville High School in Mississippi in 1967. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mississippi College for Women. While in college, she met the love of her life, Henry Carlisle Campbell. They were married for 46 years until his death in 2019.

Beverly’s greatest joy was her family. Known affectionately as “Bevie,” she was a devoted mother and grandmother to her three children and six grandchildren. She nurtured them with love, wisdom, and faith—gifts that will carry on for generations to come.

In 1991, Beverly began teaching private art lessons and later opened Studio B in downtown West Point. She taught art there until 2017, leaving a lasting impact on generations of children throughout the West Point community.

Her talents extended beyond the art studio. Beverly shared her beautiful alto voice as a member of the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir in West Point for 33 years, where she also served as a music teacher for the church's Child Development Center. She was an active member of the West Point Music Coterie for 25 years and served as a member of the West Point Home and Garden Club.

Beverly was deeply devoted to her faith. She attended Stonebridge United Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas, and was a longtime, devoted member of First United Methodist Church in West Point, Mississippi.

She is survived by her loving children: Elizabeth Campbell and partner Jason Nixon of Franklin, Tennessee; Katherine Seyb and husband Jacob of McKinney, Texas; and Carlisle Campbell and wife Katie of Alexandria, Virginia. She was a cherished grandmother to Spencer Seyb, Campbell Seyb, Elizabeth Seyb, Henry Campbell, Grace Campbell, Sarah Campbell, and Rebecca Nixon.

She is also survived by her sister, Lee Barron (Tim) of Hernando, Mississippi; brothers, Homer Arrington of Pennsylvania and Jim Arrington (Karen) of Senatobia, Mississippi; sisters-in-law, Julia Shirley of West Point, Mississippi, Elizabeth Bailey (Eugene) of West Point, Mississippi; along with a host of other loving family members and dear friends.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Carlisle.

A Service of Resurrection will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 612 E. Broad Street, West Point, Mississippi 39773. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church.

A Service of Resurrection will also be held in McKinney, TX at 11:00 on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S. Stonebridge Dr, McKinney, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made in Beverly’s honor to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 293, West Point, Mississippi 39773 or Stonebridge United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 6210, McKinney, Texas, 75071.

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01/16/2026

Gene Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Eugene Smith, Jr. (Gene), of West Point, MS. He was called home to the Lord on January 16, 2026 at the age of 90. Gene was a man of unwavering faith, a decorated veteran, and a cornerstone of his family and community. Born on January 17, 1935, in Marks, MS, and grew up in Tunica, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program at Mississippi State University and began active duty in September 1956. After completing a rigorous training program, he was awarded his pilot wings in October 1962. After completing F-102 Delta Dagger Combat Crew Training, Capt. Smith served with the 82nd FIS at Travis AFB, California, from June 1963 to January 1965, and then with the 496th FIS at Hahn AB, West Germany, from January 1965 to February 1967. He finished F-105 Thunderchief Combat Crew Training in July 1967, then joined the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai AFB.

On October 25, 1967, during his 33rd combat mission over North Vietnam, his plane was shot down and he ejected. He was captured as a prisoner of war and for the next five and a half years endured brutal captivity including time in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. After spending 1,967 days in captivity, Maj. Smith was released during Operation Homecoming on March 14, 1973. His hardship, endurance, bravery and faithfulness in God was evident as he spoke numerous times across the country about putting God, country and family above self. His deep love for God was the foundation of his character and carried him through his five-and-a-half-year imprisonment in North Vietnam.

For his exceptional bravery and leadership, Col. Smith was the recipient of two purple hearts, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, the Bronze Star with Valor and the Air Medal. He remained characteristically humble about these honors, preferring to speak of the camaraderie and the values of duty and sacrifice. Col. Smith retired from the US Air Force on July 31, 1978, after roles including Operations Officer and Director of Operations at the 14th FTW at Columbus Air Force Base. Post-retirement, he was Executive Director of Golden Triangle Regional Airport (1979–1999), National President (1994–1996), and Chairman of the Board (1996–1998) of the Air Force Association. The enduring legacy of Richard E. Smith, Jr., is honored through his memorial at the Columbus Air Force Base Smith Ceremonial Plaza and Veterans Memorial in Tupelo, MS. Gene lived a life full of love, laughter, and purpose. His life was anchored by an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. A long-time member of First Presbyterian Church in West Point, MS, where he served as an Elder Emeritus. He was gifted with a wonderful bass voice and sang frequently at his church. He was an excellent golfer who was able to drive the ball as far as men half his age. He especially loved local fishing and fishing for redfish in Empire, Louisiana, with many friends and family members. He loved his alma mater, Mississippi State University, and could be found in maroon gear every day. The Smith Family Courtyard, dedicated in 2023, on campus is named in his honor. Above all, Gene treasured the time he was able to spend with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Though Gene mourned the loss of his first wife, Rae who passed away in 2003, he was blessed to find love again with Lynn Crowe Smith, with whom he shared twenty-two years of faith-filled marriage. He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Kelly Lucas (George) of Wi******er, TN, Rick Smith (Pam) of Litchfield, AZ, Stacy Kellum (Steve) of Huntsville, AL, Stacey Miears (Doug) of Houston, TX and Erin Holland (Kevin) of Houston, TX. His grandchildren, Cole Smith (Sara), Owensboro, KY, Justin Sloat (Molly), Nashville, TN, Tyler Sloat (Grace),Cookville, TN, Drew Kellum (Lauren), Huntsville, AL, Alexandra Kellum, Huntsville, AL, Christina Crossnine, Huntsville, AL, Harper and Grant Holland, Houston, TX, and Taylor Lucas (Brittnie), Maryville, TN, Austin Lucas, Wi******er, TN, and seven great grandchildren – Zane, Kade, Penelope Rae, Blakely, Kyler, Yahstorah and Judah.

Visitation will be held 3-6 PM at First Presbyterian Church, West Point, MS on Thursday January 22, 2026. A Celebration of Life service for Gene will be held 10 AM Friday January 23, 2026 at the church with Rev. Brandon Bates officiating. Interment will follow in Marks Cemetery in Marks, MS with full military honors. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a remarkable life well lived.

The family is so very grateful for the outpouring of love that has been shown to the family and the extraordinary care that was provided by his medical and caregiver team. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be sent to The First Presbyterian Church PO Box 366 West Point, MS 39773 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept. 42 Memphis, TN 38105.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

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01/16/2026

Richard 'Gene' Smith passed away January 16, 2026 at his residence. A full obit will be posted when information becomes available.

01/15/2026

Some umbrellas were left at the funeral home yesterday after Mr Lonnie Peeples service.