Edward Joseph Robarge, age 80, passed peacefully at his home in Leavenworth, Kansas, surrounded by family, on February 9, 2026.
Edward was born on March 10, 1945, in Maywood, California, to Edward Francis Robarge and Henrietta Marie Campbell. He was the eldest of three children and is survived by his sister, Yvonne Marie Robarge; he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Ellen Robarge. In 1957, the family moved from New York to Denver, Colorado. Edward graduated from Adams City High School in Adams City, Colorado, and went on to attend Colorado State University.
While at Colorado State University, Edward met the love of his life, Janey Janice Stacy of Grand Junction, Colorado. Edward and Janey were married on August 22, 1969, in Grand Junction, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 57 years. Together they raised three children: Stacy Ann Marie, Tracy Ann Marie, and William Francis.
Balancing military service and family life, Edward earned a master’s degree from Colorado State University in 1980 and later completed a PhD from the University of Kansas in 2004. He was deeply proud of his lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Edward was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Janey were blessed with ten grandchildren—Hana, Josie, Ayalah, Mahayla, Maximillian, Samuel, Joseph, Simon, James, and Jerry—and one great-grandson, Porter. Edward took exceptional care of his family, both immediate and extended, and found great joy in passing on his knowledge, skills, and stories to younger generations.
Edward had many hobbies, including flying lessons, banjo playing, whittling, meat cutting, and barbecuing, but his greatest passions were fishing and amateur radio. A consummate fisherman, he delighted in teaching his grandchildren how to fish and was often found on the river with his best friend, Rick Everett. An Extra Class amateur radio operator, Edward made contacts with people around the world—and even beyond it—communicating with the International Space Station.
Edward proudly served his country for decades. He began his military career as a member of the ROTC at Colorado State University and entered active-duty service in 1970 as an Ranger, a title he held with great pride. He served in Vietnam from 1972 to 1973. As a Foreign Area Officer for Latin America, Edward served at the Pentagon and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he acted as an interpreter for Henry Kissinger. His assignments also included service in Panama at the School of the Americas and as the Army Liaison to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic. Edward taught twice at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His many honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star, among others.
Edward is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Francis Robarge and Henrietta Marie Robarge, and his sister, Martha Ellen Robarge.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janey; his children, Stacy Ann Marie Silkiner, Tracy Ann Marie Barnett, and William Francis Robarge; his sister, Yvonne Marie Robarge; his ten grandchildren; and his great-grandson.
Services will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 10:30am at the Church of Latter-Day Saints.
