Robert David “Robin” Lenholt Sr.

Robert David “Robin” Lenholt Sr.

Robert David “Robin” Lenholt Sr.

DeLand – Robert David “Robin” Lenholt Sr., a rancher/farmer and Paul Fellow Harris Rotarian died Thursday, April 20, 2023. Born in Hector, Minnesota, April 29, 1936, he moved with his parents, Lillian and Eric H. Lenholt and older brother, Richard E. Lenholt in 1940 to Daytona Beach, where they lived on the Halifax River. He graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1954 and always enjoyed attending his class reunions. He went on to attend Duke University, North Carolina; Stetson University, DeLand; and Florida Southern College, Lakeland.

After serving in the United States Army, Robin began taking care of the family ranch that his father acquired in 1953 in Lake County across the St. John's River. He enjoyed working the groves, his registered Aberdeen Angus/Brangus cattle, chicken operations, hay fields and fencing, and continued to work with the cattle, hay and fencing up until the day he died. It has been tough to watch his health decline because he was always such a strong and steady man, but also stubborn. His friends called him “Bull'' as he was as tough as one all the way around, but yet gentle enough to cradle his grandchildren in his arms or pick up his River Kitty that had been dropped off. He wasn't a hunter, but loved to bass fish before his health slowed him down. He enjoyed all the wildlife at his sanctuary where he had lived, breathed and enjoyed working his cattle and living the majority of his long life. He was hard on many, mostly his children and grandchildren, but he instilled in us all, a good worth ethic and the knowledge to believe in ourselves. He will forever be loved and missed by his family and many more. Especially his daughter.

Robin received the Jaycee's Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1963, and always believed that “at a time when young people are so “fascinated” with modern technology and lifestyles that they don't realize that the most important material need is “food on the table” and that our economy consists of the individuals that produce it. He was a member of the The DeLand Rotary Club, Feb. 1, 1974 and served as president from 1986-87.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma of 38 years; his mother and father; sons, Robert Linton “Rob” Lenholt, DeLand; and Daniel “Danny” Wayne Lenholt, DeLand.

Survivers include: son, Robert “David” Lenholt II (Sandy), DeLand; daughter, Leslie Lenholt, Glenwood; granddaughters Heather Knight (Billy), DeLand, and Erica Beth Lenholt, North Carolina; grandson, Robert David “DJ' Lenholt (Kaley Kanger), DeLand; granddaughter Taylor Jade Lenholt, DeLand; great-granddaughters, Sydney and Josie Knight, DeLand; brother, Richard E. Lenholt (Mary Robinson), Fort Myers, FL; nieces, Anne Hirsch, Ecuador; Beth Lenholt (Lori Friedt), Arizona; Laura Nicholson (Gary), Oregon; nephew, Ric Lenholt (Erica Whiteman), great-nephew, Rivers Lenholt; great-nieces, Chelsea Rinri (Puka and family), Ecuador, and Piper Roux Lenholt and step great niece, Dallas Whiteman, all of St. Petersburg, FL; former sister in law and friend, Mary Moore Lenholt, St. Petersburg, FL; and friend and companion, Barbara Harris, DeLand.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Daytona State College Foundation for the Eric H. and Lillian B. Lenholt Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. April 29, 2023 with a service beginning at 11 a.m. at Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL 32724. A Celebration of Life event will take place afterwards at the DeLand Elks Lodge 1463, 614 S. Alabama Ave., DeLand, FL 32724.